i cant get the starter to not make noise - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72chevyk10 · 05-06-2009, 10:21 PM

what is the special way to shim these starters? there is nothing wrong with it its fairly new. i just dont know how exactly to adjust it.

thanks all!

**StingRay** · 05-06-2009, 10:31 PM

Alot of these trucks had a shim between the starter and the block right from the factory. Starter/alternator repairs shops should stock them.

72chevyk10 · 05-06-2009, 10:39 PM

i got the shims but i really dont know how many to use.

tim21391 · 05-06-2009, 11:42 PM

i dont shim mine..

72chevyk10 · 05-06-2009, 11:46 PM

i tried that too it just made loud awful sonding noises

sleepertruck72 · 05-07-2009, 12:44 AM

You need to get close to look at the teeth on the starter gear, and the flywheel teeth. The starter I bought from NAPA came with a rod about 1/8" and instructions that said to leave the solenoid wire on but not the power wire. It helps to have a jumper wire to do it yourself without having to go to your ignition switch every time you adjust. Well the 1/8" rod should fit inbetween the teeth without alot of free play or forcing in. I hope that makes sense, I will look for the instructions, scan and post them if I find them. I believe I kept the box in the garage somewhere. I hope this helps.

motos · 05-07-2009, 04:13 AM

Just experienced that very same issue after switching engine blocks. I began using all three shims until finding that the thinest shim by itself ended up doing the trick. It's pretty much trial & error. Just take it easy & be careful not to grind it too much. Had to replace my original starter during the process.

**truckdude239** · 05-07-2009, 06:45 AM

i installed a starter on a Buick had it only came with one shim i used it and no more noise just start with one shim and go from there

Jim_PA · 05-07-2009, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

i installed a starter on a Buick had it only came with one shim i used it and no more noise just start with one shim and go from there

Yeah, what he said -- If it sounds horrible, and turns over slow, it only takes a little bit to make it right. Start with the smallest shim you have, add another if it still isn't right.

big_al_71 · 05-07-2009, 07:46 AM

On my 65 elky I had a god awefull noise, brand new mini starter shimmed perfect as I have done it quite a few times, well guess what? the flywheel was bented ( I dont know if I spelled it right) pulled down the tranny replaced the flywheel and it was a done deal....replace your flywheel..

72chevyk10 · 05-07-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepertruck72

You need to get close to look at the teeth on the starter gear, and the flywheel teeth. The starter I bought from NAPA came with a rod about 1/8" and instructions that said to leave the solenoid wire on but not the power wire. It helps to have a jumper wire to do it yourself without having to go to your ignition switch every time you adjust. Well the 1/8" rod should fit inbetween the teeth without alot of free play or forcing in. I hope that makes sense, I will look for the instructions, scan and post them if I find them. I believe I kept the box in the garage somewhere. I hope this helps.

i got mine from napa and didnt get a rod of any kind. that makes sense though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

On my 65 elky I had a god awefull noise, brand new mini starter shimmed perfect as I have done it quite a few times, well guess what? the flywheel was bented ( I dont know if I spelled it right) pulled down the tranny replaced the flywheel and it was a done deal....replace your flywheel..

i have a fairly new flexplate. i put a new one on when i put the engine in.(about 3-5k ago)

sjarrett71 · 05-07-2009, 11:43 AM

If you don't have the rod gauge thingy, start with one shim, check the noise, go to two shims...so on and so on. It might take a while or you could go get the shim kit froma parts store. Most of the starters I used to sell when I worked in parts had the kit with it.

jamesi20 · 05-07-2009, 05:16 PM

If you don't have the rod,use a paper clip

jay6891 · 05-07-2009, 05:30 PM

It is just a trial and errror thing. I have even just had to shim one side,(bolt) to make it right. Shim the outside bolt, makes the starter come away from flywheel. Shim the inside bolt, starter gets closer. Sounds like maybe you are to close to flywheel. Clear as mud? Hope it helps.

72chevyk10 · 05-07-2009, 06:25 PM

right now i have 2 shims on the outside bolt(pass side) its mostly good when its cold. but after it gets warmed up,even a little bit its really hard to get it to engage propery. its the best ive been able to get it.

eightbanger · 05-07-2009, 06:46 PM

Read this it may be of some help.

mr48chev · 05-07-2009, 06:49 PM

Are you using one of the gear reduction starters like in the page eightbanger posted or a stock style starter.

72chevyk10 · 05-07-2009, 06:58 PM

as far as i am aware it is stock style. its the napa lifetime waranty one.

would the same apply for both kinds of starters? btw thanks eightbanger.

Wrenchbender Ret · 05-08-2009, 05:16 PM

Most of the time when I have this problem it's been a matter of getting the starter closer. I take a big coarse file & go across the mounting surface of the starter. A lot of these old housings have the area around the bolts pulled out. These rebuilders use after market housings that are not all that precision. If it sounds better with no shims then it does with shims then that is the case.

Rippin-J · 05-08-2009, 05:29 PM

I replaced the starter on mine and the new one came with a helpful little flyer. I am snapping some pics of it now and will upload them.

feel free to PM me and I can try to send the original file (so you can see them bigger!).

westofb · 05-08-2009, 05:40 PM

Had the same issue with new starter install. Turns out new starter was problem, when it was rebuilt they failed to replace the bushing in the nose of the starter allowing it to move around. Sometimes it was quiet, sometimes would not engage the flywheel, this was on an O' Reilly starter lifetime guarantee, took it back and got a different one that went on like the original without shims and works perfect and quietly. Not unusual to get new parts (newly rebuilt....supposedly) that are not quite right out of the box.

Rippin-J · 05-08-2009, 05:42 PM

snapshots of pages

Rippin-J · 05-08-2009, 05:43 PM

Page 1

Rippin-J · 05-08-2009, 05:44 PM

Page 2

Rippin-J · 05-08-2009, 05:46 PM

Figures!!!!!

05-06-2009, 10:31 PM	#2
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Alot of these trucks had a shim between the starter and the block right from the factory. Starter/alternator repairs shops should stock them. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

05-06-2009, 11:42 PM	#4
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise i dont shim mine.. __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

05-07-2009, 12:44 AM	#6
sleepertruck72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Turlock California 95380 Posts: 2,075	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise You need to get close to look at the teeth on the starter gear, and the flywheel teeth. The starter I bought from NAPA came with a rod about 1/8" and instructions that said to leave the solenoid wire on but not the power wire. It helps to have a jumper wire to do it yourself without having to go to your ignition switch every time you adjust. Well the 1/8" rod should fit inbetween the teeth without alot of free play or forcing in. I hope that makes sense, I will look for the instructions, scan and post them if I find them. I believe I kept the box in the garage somewhere. I hope this helps. __________________ 72 C20 Longbed 05 1500 Z71

05-07-2009, 04:13 AM	#7
motos Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 14	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Just experienced that very same issue after switching engine blocks. I began using all three shims until finding that the thinest shim by itself ended up doing the trick. It's pretty much trial & error. Just take it easy & be careful not to grind it too much. Had to replace my original starter during the process.

05-07-2009, 06:45 AM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,233	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise i installed a starter on a Buick had it only came with one shim i used it and no more noise just start with one shim and go from there __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

05-07-2009, 07:46 AM	#10
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise On my 65 elky I had a god awefull noise, brand new mini starter shimmed perfect as I have done it quite a few times, well guess what? the flywheel was bented ( I dont know if I spelled it right) pulled down the tranny replaced the flywheel and it was a done deal....replace your flywheel.. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

05-07-2009, 11:43 AM	#12
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise If you don't have the rod gauge thingy, start with one shim, check the noise, go to two shims...so on and so on. It might take a while or you could go get the shim kit froma parts store. Most of the starters I used to sell when I worked in parts had the kit with it. __________________ -Scott-

05-07-2009, 05:16 PM	#13
jamesi20 Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: NORTHEAST OHIO Posts: 493	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise If you don't have the rod,use a paper clip

05-07-2009, 05:30 PM	#14
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise It is just a trial and errror thing. I have even just had to shim one side,(bolt) to make it right. Shim the outside bolt, makes the starter come away from flywheel. Shim the inside bolt, starter gets closer. Sounds like maybe you are to close to flywheel. Clear as mud? Hope it helps. __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

05-07-2009, 06:46 PM	#16
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Read this it may be of some help. __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

05-07-2009, 06:49 PM	#17
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,451	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Are you using one of the gear reduction starters like in the page eightbanger posted or a stock style starter.

05-08-2009, 05:16 PM	#19
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,208	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Most of the time when I have this problem it's been a matter of getting the starter closer. I take a big coarse file & go across the mounting surface of the starter. A lot of these old housings have the area around the bolts pulled out. These rebuilders use after market housings that are not all that precision. If it sounds better with no shims then it does with shims then that is the case.

05-08-2009, 05:29 PM	#20
Rippin-J OurLadyofBlessedAccelerat ion Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 148	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise I replaced the starter on mine and the new one came with a helpful little flyer. I am snapping some pics of it now and will upload them. feel free to PM me and I can try to send the original file (so you can see them bigger!). __________________ _______________________________________________ 1968 Chevy C-20 w/ 396 1997 HD Sportster 1200 street tracker 1994 Chevy 1500 Silverado

05-08-2009, 05:40 PM	#21
westofb I really hate wet sanding! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brookfield, MO Posts: 601	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Had the same issue with new starter install. Turns out new starter was problem, when it was rebuilt they failed to replace the bushing in the nose of the starter allowing it to move around. Sometimes it was quiet, sometimes would not engage the flywheel, this was on an O' Reilly starter lifetime guarantee, took it back and got a different one that went on like the original without shims and works perfect and quietly. Not unusual to get new parts (newly rebuilt....supposedly) that are not quite right out of the box.

05-08-2009, 05:42 PM	#22
Rippin-J OurLadyofBlessedAccelerat ion Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 148	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise snapshots of pages Attached Images __________________ _______________________________________________ 1968 Chevy C-20 w/ 396 1997 HD Sportster 1200 street tracker 1994 Chevy 1500 Silverado



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05-08-2009, 05:43 PM	#23
Rippin-J OurLadyofBlessedAccelerat ion Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 148	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Page 1 Attached Images __________________ _______________________________________________ 1968 Chevy C-20 w/ 396 1997 HD Sportster 1200 street tracker 1994 Chevy 1500 Silverado

05-08-2009, 05:44 PM	#24
Rippin-J OurLadyofBlessedAccelerat ion Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 148	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Page 2 Attached Images __________________ _______________________________________________ 1968 Chevy C-20 w/ 396 1997 HD Sportster 1200 street tracker 1994 Chevy 1500 Silverado

05-08-2009, 05:46 PM	#25
Rippin-J OurLadyofBlessedAccelerat ion Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 148	Re: i cant get the starter to not make noise Figures!!!!! Attached Images __________________ _______________________________________________ 1968 Chevy C-20 w/ 396 1997 HD Sportster 1200 street tracker 1994 Chevy 1500 Silverado

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