T_Sebastian

When I installed the new starter on my '78, I noticed it had a shim (about .03") on the old one.
I replaced that shim when I replaced the starter, and still had the grinding sound. I have since added 2 more .03" shims (total of .09" now) and am still having the same issue. Im afraid I am going to tear up the flywheel.
Anybody have another thought or idea on how to remedy this? What is the max that you have had to shim the starter in the past?

Another friend of mine was telling me that they make a bracket the attaches to the little nub sticking out of the back of the starter housing and bolts to the frame, and that I might need one. Ive looked, but cant seem to find what he's talking about.

mikep3

You might need one of these shims.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...m=starter+shim

T_Sebastian

The shims that I have in there now are like this:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...7CGRP2037_____

hugie82

When you have a grinding starter the first thing you want to do is check the starter bolts (on a flat surface)and see if they are bent in any way!!! Second, shims are used when the starter gear hits the flywheel but won't engage because it's too close. Usually caused by the block being decked or the starter being manufactured wrong. Take all the shims out and pick up new bolts

bobs77vet

i wonder if the number of teeth on the fly wheel is not matching up to the gear teeth spacing on the starter

Timsride

You may not need any shims at all.

bashcraft

In my 30+ years of owning chevrolet vehicles, I've never had one that needed starter shims. I know some need them, but more often than not, they don't.

Ironcross

Being in the families parts business and selling hundreds of starters, we recommend not using shims as they move the starter 'away from the flywheel making the grinding situation worse, not better......the real issue is probably a worn ring gear.....as they almost always stop in the same spot and worse if a automatic......Shims should not even be in the box with the starter as they are so often used as necessary or the starter wont work correctly....actually its just the opposite....don't use shims, there wrong and can kill a good flywheel

T_Sebastian

thanks guys, I can see that my thinking is backwards. Ill remove the shims all together, and see if that helps.