starter issues

[NYC-10]

went to get a new starter and after 3 and all different shims still make a horrible noise when starting-whats the deal

[cdowns]

r the teeth on the flywheel good? are you shimming to 1/8" for proper engagement?

[NYC-10]

I did not go to an 1/8 yet- the original starter had no shims

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The shims move the starter away from the flywheel. Most of the time that problem is the starter needs to be closer. Often the boltholes get pulled out. I take a big coarse file & go across the mounting surface of the starter till its leveled out. You can remove the screw that connects the starter motor to the selenoid & energize the starter & check the tooth contact. There is a spec. for that but I dont know what it is.

[crazy longhorn]

You need 1/8" clearance tween the armature shaft & the OD of the flex plate(no need to remove the solenoid to check). If you take the shank of a 1/8" drill bit, slide it tween the shaft & the flexplate(use it like a feeler guage,not loose,but not tight). If its to loose, shim under the OUTER bolt only, too tight, shim under BOTH bolts till you get the proper feel. It is not uncommon to need 3 or 4 shims under the outer corner to bring things into spec. As allready mentioned, You can also have the mount surface of the starter nose machined to tighten up the clearance. Make sure to use the front strap, & if you think that the bolts are twisted.....REPLACE them(that cheap insurance). Best of luck,crazyL