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RE: [oletrucks] Starter Shims installation for GM engines

To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: [oletrucks] Starter Shims installation for GM engines
From: "Jim Wilkerson" <Jim.Wilkerson@sas.com>
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 14:43:44 -0500
Do all GM starters need to be shimmed?  I have a 2000 GM Crate truck engine 
(Vortec 5.7L). There were no shims or any mention of shims in the starter box 
or instructions.  

Thanks, Jim W. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Hanberg [mailto:steve@oldsub.com] 
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 10:53 AM
To: Carl & Becky Ham; 64bowtie@quik.com; Mask1966@aol.com; 60schevy@topica.com; 
oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Starter Shims installation for GM engines


Sometime in the last year there was a magazine article on how to adjust GM 
starters.  It described the noise you might here, and the said what side of the 
starter to shim.  I don't recall the title or month, but you might dig through 
your local library looking at pickup and rod type magazines and I'm sure you'll 
fine it.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl & Becky Ham" <the_hams@hotmail.com>
To: <64bowtie@quik.com>; <Mask1966@aol.com>; <60schevy@topica.com>; 
<oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Starter Shims installation for GM engines


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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