[64speed]

How do you set the starter up without taking it on and off a million times to add or remove shims? I dont want the bendix just crashing into the flywheel trying to get it right. I would like to do it on the first try.

[Tom Vaught]

I typically do that check when the engine block is on the engine stand and I can mount the Starter on the block and check it for engagement against the flywheel I am using. (Do the thick wire paper clip check).

I don't like doing stuff on my back if possible and do not have a lift.

Tom V.

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by 64speed

How do you set the starter up without taking it on and off a million times to add or remove shims? I dont want the bendix just crashing into the flywheel trying to get it right. I would like to do it on the first try.

You use a 1/8" drill bit and set it up so that the flywheel teeth are 1/8 inch from the starter shaft.

[grivera]

X2 on all advice above. Also note the shims’ inside bolt hole is an open slot so you only have to remove the outside starter bolt. No need to drop the starter- just remove one bolt and loosen the other one so you can add/remove shims.

[64speed]

It’s on the stand. What’s the thick wire paper clip test? Don’t have a 1/8 drill bit but wife’s a teacher. Plenty of school supplies

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by 64speed

It’s on the stand. What’s the thick wire paper clip test? Don’t have a 1/8 drill bit but wife’s a teacher. Plenty of school supplies

1/8" clearance. Measure 1/8 of an inch between the flexplate tooth tip and the shaft on the starter that the gear slides on.

[64speed]

Ok I’m overthinking this. How does stacking shims that only make it thicker position it closer/further from the flywheel. On my Chevrolet’s I have never used shims

[tjs72lemans]

The radius of the two get farther away from each other cause more clearance to develop.

[grivera]

Originally Posted by TAQuest

1/8" clearance. Measure 1/8 of an inch between the flexplate tooth tip and the shaft on the starter that the gear slides on.

There should be instructions with the starter - or easily searched via Google.

For the paperclip test, pull starter gear to engage flywheel. The gap between the gear mesh should be the thickness of a full size paperclip.

[Tom Vaught]

grivera, Thanks for the added info to help 64speed with his question.

Have only used the full-sized paperclip in 45+ years of playing with GTOs on starter tooth clearance checking.

Tom V.

[SR-71]

This is from Delco Remy for checking and shimming starters.

[TAQuest]

Here's the best way to do it with an 1/8" drill(or allen wrench). Video should help understand where the 1/8 inch comes in;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucG-yh4oiLU

[Tom Vaught]

Nice video, Looks like 64 Speed is going to do the Paper Clip method when the starter is installed. He posted about an hour after you made the post above.

Tom V.

[lust4speed]

One of my paperclips was about 1-1/4" long and was .037" thick while the other was a little longer at 1.84" and it was .047" thick. At this point I went to a couple of instruction sheets for starters and the consensus was anything between .025" and .050" is acceptable -- and therefore either paperclip would work, but the big paperclip would be on the fringe. Instructions recommended a "standard paperclip" which they said was about .035".

Another thing the instructions pointed out was the flexplate/flywheel should be rotated and clearance checked in three locations. Most of us get lazy with this and I'd bet that a lot of engagement problems might have been avoided with a little extra checking.

[Tom Vaught]

I have always used the upper one. Mine were normal Office Depot 1-1/4" long and the box I had measured .035" on a dial caliper.
Never used the "magnum" ones around .050"

Not sure what a Drill Bit measuring .125" would do as a measurement tool.
Never used anything that large but one of the posters says it can be used.

Tom V.

[Formulas]

Never in my life have I used a paper clip Allen key drill bit ,q'tip popsicle stick blade of grass piece of hay or youtube

I put my starter on with a few shims crank it listen if it sounds binding put more in until it's pretty quiet and any more shim doesn't make it quieter they will tolerate a slight bit more shim than not enough

You put a new starter on a car that is fully assembled and that's about the only way

And Pontiac shims are open on inboard bolt so you don't have to fully remove starter just loosen slid in or out shims

.

[242177P]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

Not sure what a Drill Bit measuring .125" would do as a measurement tool.
Never used anything that large but one of the posters says it can be used.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by Formulas

You put a new starter on a car that is fully assembled and that's about the only way .

Can't disagree with that.

Tom V.

You can make a video about anything.

Doesn't mean it is right or wrong, just says that a video was made.

In this case we have a picture from a Video, and no link to the video. ????

[242177P]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

You can make a video about anything.

Doesn't mean it is right or wrong, just says that a video was made.

In this case we have a picture from a Video, and no link to the video. ????

It's the same video you said was nice earlier. For those who haven't watched it, take note of the time in the bottom left corner. Now they can skip straight to the part where an 1/8" Allen key is used to measure.

[lust4speed]

The critical thing is the depth of the starter pinion teeth with the ring gear teeth. The aluminum casting size can be all over the map -- or not even there on most aftermarket starters. Even for stock starters, the 1/8" measurement is dependent on how frisky the guy happens to have been with the deburring tool that day when cleaning up the raw casting.