How To Shim Starter Closer To Flywheel

So, there I was, under the hood of my old beater, trying to coax some life into the engine. It was a hot day, the sun was beating down like there was no tomorrow, and I was sweating like a sinner in church. I'd been at it for what felt like hours, and the starter just wasn't firing like it should. I knew I had to get it closer to the flywheel, but how? That's when it hit me - shimming, my old mechanic friend's secret weapon. Let me spill the beans on how to do it.

What's a Shim, Anyway?

Alright, before we dive in, let's get something straight. A shim is just a thin piece of metal, usually made of brass or steel, used to fill small gaps or adjust the space between two parts. Think of it as a tiny, flat, magical piece of metal that can save your engine from a world of hurt. Now that we're on the same page, let's get started.

Gather Your Tools

First things first, you're gonna need some tools. Grab your socket wrench, a feeler gauge, some shims (you can find these at any auto parts store), and a bit of patience. Trust me, this job might take a while, but it's worth it in the end.

Disassembly Time

Alright, let's start by removing the starter from the engine. This involves unbolting it from the bell housing and disconnecting the electrical wires. Be careful with those wires, you don't want to damage them. Once the starter is off, you'll see the flywheel. That's where we're headed.

Measuring the Gap

Now, take your feeler gauge and measure the gap between the starter's drive gear and the flywheel. You're looking for a gap of about 0.005" to 0.015". If it's more than that, you'll need to add some shims. If it's less, well, you might have some other issues to deal with.

Starter Alignment at Carl Bills blog

Adding the Shims

Okay, so you've measured the gap and it's too big. Time to add some shims. Start with the smallest shim you have and place it between the starter's mounting surface and the engine block. Then, reinstall the starter bolts and tighten them down.

Now, remeasure the gap. If it's still too big, add another shim. Keep doing this until the gap is within the specified range. Remember, it's better to add shims one at a time rather than trying to force it with too many at once.

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Reassembly and Testing

Once you've got the gap right, it's time to put everything back together. Reconnect the electrical wires, bolt the starter back onto the engine, and give it a test spin. If the starter engages the flywheel properly, you're golden. If not, you might need to adjust the shims some more.

And there you have it, folks. You've just learned how to shim a starter closer to the flywheel. It's not the most glamorous job in the world, but it sure beats replacing a starter, right? So, the next time your starter's acting up, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and give shimming a try. Your engine will thank you.