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Re: [oletrucks] Starter Shims installation for GM engines

To: 64bowtie@quik.com, Mask1966@aol.com, 60schevy@topica.com,
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Starter Shims installation for GM engines
From: "Carl & Becky Ham" <the_hams@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 09:51:44 -0600
Mike:
With all due respect to Devin's reply, I would not use trial and error to 
install your starter.  You may damage the starter bendix gear and/or the 
teeth on the flywheel/flexplate.

Most replacement starters for GM engines come with a shim package.  Included 
in the shim package is a small diameter rod to measure the distance between 
the starter bendix shaft and the flywheel/flexplate.  If you don't have one, 
go to a local FLAPS, they usually have extras on hand.  Some shim kits come 
with short and long shims for positioning the starter.  Short shims to add 
clearance on one side only, long shims to add clearance for the whole 
starter (both sides).

With the starter bolted in place (no shims), slide the rod between the 
bendix shaft (not the bendix gear with the teeth) and the flexplate teeth.  
Use your judgement, if the pin appears too sloppy, loosen the starter and 
slide shims under the outside (closest to the framerail) bolt.  This will 
'tilt' the starter closer to the flexplate.  Retighten and recheck until 
you're satisfied with the clearance.

Conversely, if you can't get the rod between the bendix shaft and flexplate, 
loosen the bolt closest to the engine block and add shims to this side (it 
will 'tilt' the starter away from the flexplate).  Or you may need to add a 
long shim to position the starter evenly.  Repeat as above until you're 
happy with the clearance.

Doing this will ensure the bendix gear engages properly and doesn't damage 
the opposing teeth on the flexplate.

Hope this helps.

Carl Ham
'56 Chevy TF Stepside
Pontiac, IL

>From: "Devin Timmons" <64bowtie@quik.com>
>Reply-To: "Devin Timmons" <64bowtie@quik.com>
>To: <Mask1966@aol.com>, <60schevy@topica.com>, <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Starter Shims?
>Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 19:50:17 -0800
>
>Mike-  Not all Chevys require shims with their starters.  I put the starter
>in, see if it grinds, and then start shimming from there, trial and error.
>Start with thin ones and only go as thick as necessary.
>
>Devin
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <Mask1966@aol.com>
>To: <60schevy@topica.com>; <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
>Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2003 6:36 PM
>Subject: [oletrucks] Starter Shims?
>
>
> > Hey V8 guys, how do I know how many shims to install with my 305 
>starter?
>I
> > know there is some measurement to be made, but where and how much?  
>Help,
>the
> > motor goes in tomorrow.
> >
> > Mike Klepp
> > '48 3100 5 window
> > '65 C-10 stepside
> > Wichita Falls, TX
> > oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959

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