Table of Contents
How do I check my starter clearance?
See all 8 photos The easiest way to check for proper starter engagement is with a small wire or even a paper clip. With the starter’s pinion gear pulled out, measure the backlash between it and the ring gear. Ideal clearance is anywhere between 0.020 and 0.030 inch. IMI uses a modified spark plug gapper for this check.
How many starter shims is too many?
If you need much more than . 10″ of shims, the nosecone casting is improperly machined. The more shims you install, the more chance you run of the the starter “rocking” while turning the engine and bending your bolts or cracking the bolt holes in the block (even with the front brace installed).
How much can you shim a SBC starter?
Usage of one shim on inboard bolt only, will provide greater clearance. 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 would cause a starter to not disengage?
Check your ignition switch. You want to make sure that the power does not stay on once your ignition switch is released. This continuous power to the starter can cause it not to disengage. The reason for this may be a bad switch or the cables may have a short.
How far should a starter engage the flywheel?
How far should the starter gear normally engage with the flywheel teeth–the entire 1/2″ width of the flywheel tooth? If half of the tooth engages the ring gear it should be enough for the starter to function.
What would make a starter not engage?
In general, a starter that is spinning but not engaging can be caused by a faulty starter clutch, a weak car battery, sticky starter solenoid contacts or if the starter motor bendix is not catching the flywheel.
Why is my starter hitting the flywheel?
Sounds like somehow the bolts got loosened, or the starter was removed for some reason and the shims were not installed between the starter and the block. If it’s removing metal from both the starter and the flywheel, it needs to be shimmed away from the starter. You can get these shims a any auto parts store.
Why do you need shims for 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.
What happens if you put too much clearance on a starter?
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 big of a Bendix do you need for a starter?
First Guess: Defective starter one-way clutch (Starter drive, sometimes called a “Bendix”.) 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.