Unbolt the starter from the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, and place a shim onto both bolts on the starter. Bolt the starter motor back onto the engine block. Test with the paper clip again, and if the paper clip still doesn't fit, repeat the process and add another shim. Do this until the paper clip fits in between the gaps.
Full Answer
Do you need a shim on a starter?
Some starters required shims to provide clearance between the flywheel and the pinion gear. Some people also use flat washers in place of shims. To know about the shimming procedure, you need to know how to remove and install starter.
How do you Shim a Ford starter?
There are no shims for Ford starters. There isn't even a way to put them in there. Ford and GM small block starters are mounted totally different. The Ford starter is bolted to the transmission bellhousing. There is no way to shim it to adjust the distance between the starter gear and the flywheel.
Are Ford small block starter shims rare?
Sorry, that is false. I used to think the same thing. Then I came across Ford small block starter shims. I knew when i saw them that they were rare and I bought every damn one of them. I've never used one...but I got them if someone wants one.
Does shimming a car starter make a noise?
Shimming a car starter is one surefire way to silence forever the disturbing crank noise your car makes. But the fact that using a shim quiets the noise doesn’t change that not everyone enjoys using a shim. Nevertheless, you want to deploy a shim; that’s why you’re here in the first place.
Where do you put the starter shims?
1:487:36How To Shim A Starter - EricTheCarGuy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to take it in between the ring gear here on the flex plate or flywheel.MoreYou want to take it in between the ring gear here on the flex plate or flywheel.
Do you have to put shims on a starter?
If you start your car without a shim, your car may sound like starter cranks and loud sound. You need to use a shim to avoid noises that the starter emits. There may be the many reasons for the starter noise including the starter may be too far or too close to flywheel teeth, loose mounting bolts and much more.
How many shims does a Chevy starter have?
Note: Do not use more than 3 shims on either side. When installing replacement starter motor: DO NOT use an impact gun or breaker bar to tighten bolts!
What happens if the starter is too close to the flywheel?
Typically, a new starter will make noise when it's positioned too close to the ring gear on the flexplate or flywheel. Installing thin, steel shims between the block and starter is the method to eliminate the noise. Another problem that may cause starter noise is an out-of-round flexplate.
Why does my starter grind sometimes?
Most likely, if it is true grinding that you hear, the problem is related to the starter. Causes include the starter not lining up correctly with the ring gear on the flywheel, missing or damaged gear teeth, or a faulty solenoid. Replacing the starter is most often the right solution.
Why does my starter spin but not engage?
What could cause my starter to not engage with the flywheel? The most common reason a starter is not engaging is low battery voltage or a faulty starter motor solenoid. It can also be caused by faulty internal parts of the starter motor like the plunger or pinion gear.
How do you shim a GM starter?
0:567:36How to Properly Shim a Starter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll notice when you remove it from the packaging. That it comes with a shim. And an allen wrenchMoreYou'll notice when you remove it from the packaging. That it comes with a shim. And an allen wrench now this allen wrenches of the size to measure the clearance that you need to measure.
How many shims is too many?
A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 5 shims under the foot. If it takes more than five .
How many teeth does a Chevy starter have?
Flywheels with two different diameters are used on Chevrolet Small-Block, Big-Block, and 90° V-6 engines. Large flywheels are 14" in diameter and have 168 teeth on the starter ring gear. Small-diameter flywheels are 12.750" in diameter, with 153 teeth on the ring gear.
How do I know if my starter is misaligned?
Remove the starter from the vehicle and energize it with jumper cables to determine if the starter drive is properly moving the pinion gear into the cranking position. If the starter engages and cranks the engine, then skips and spins freely, there are two likely causes: Misalignment of the replacement starter.
How do you check the starter clearance on a flywheel?
1:142:45Measuring Flange to Flywheel | BorgWarner Delco Remy Genuine ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis dimension is typically forty nine point three to fifty two point three millimeters. From theMoreThis dimension is typically forty nine point three to fifty two point three millimeters. From the starting motor mounting surface to the ring gear face in order to measure this dimension.
How far should the starter be from the flywheel?
To insure proper meshing of starter pinion with flywheel ring gear, the distance or gap between the rear face of flywheel ring gear and front face of start pinion must not be more than 1/6” or less than 1/32”.
How to adjust flywheel on a car?
Start by shoving a screwdriver into the hole at the car starter’s bottom. Then, adjust clutch assembly and starter pinion till it is the perfect fit for the flywheel teeth and pinion. You might need to rotate the Flywheel many times to ensure it fits.
Do you need to change a flywheel?
So, you should inspect the Flywheel and its teeth to ensure it’s still in good condition. If it’s in good condition, then you don’t need to change it. However, if it’s terrible, now would be a good time to replace it. To inspect the Flywheel and its teeth, deploy turning tools. You’ll easily scan the Flywheel to ensure no damage has been done to it.
Is it hard to shimm a starter?
There you have it! Shimming your car’s starter is not difficult, but it’s still not that simple. You’ll need a bit of expertise and experience to pull it first as you’ll need to do a lot like monitoring the clearance whole installing the Shim. That way, you would control the clearance so that it’s not too much or too small but sufficient to get rid of the annoying car grind song.
Does a shim quiet crank noise?
Shimming a car starter is one surefire way to silence forever the disturbing crank noise your car makes. But the fact that using a shim quiets the noise doesn’t change that not everyone enjoys using a shim. Nevertheless, you want to deploy a shim; that’s why you’re here in the first place. So, that’s what I’ll teach you. Sit tight as we dig into this topic.
Where is the starter located on a car?
Crawl underneath the vehicle and locate the starter, which will be near the flywheel between the transmission and the engine. Uncurl the paper clip and try to get the clip between the gear on the starter motor and the flywheel.
How to remove a starter from a car?
Unbolt the starter from the engine using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, and place a shim onto both bolts on the starter. Bolt the starter motor back onto the engine block. Test with the paper clip again, and if the paper clip still doesn't fit, repeat the process and add another shim. Do this until the paper clip fits in between the gaps.
How to fix a car battery that is grinding?
Reconnect the positive terminal on the battery using an open-end wrench. Lower the vehicle off of the jack stands using the jack. Start the motor and listen for any grinding, and make sure it starts smoothly. If it doesn't start, remove one shim and try again. If it starts smoothly but you hear grinding, add another shim to your process.
How to secure a car on a jack stand?
Lift up the front of the vehicle using the jack and secure it on jack stands. The vehicle should be completely secure on the jack stands before you crawl underneath it.
How to engage a starter drive?
Manually engage the starter drive to the flex plate with battery disconnected. Slip a paper clip between both the gear teeth to the flex plate and the starter. That's the clearance your looking for. To much clearance and you will shear the teeth off the flex plate. Also make sure you are using knurled bolts with 3/8 thread, not metric. The knurling will protrude into the block. If you don't you will cause major damage because the starter will twist around no matter how tight you make it.
How much clearance do I need for a factory starter?
On a factory starter you need a 1/8" between the edge of the gear to tje shaft on the starter. Use a drill bit to check it. Not sure what clearance a mini starter needs but id start at 1/8". Jim
