How To Shim A Starter - EricTheCarGuy

www.ericthecarguy.com/
www.bbbind.com/
This is one of those things you might not have to do often but when you do it's a good idea to know how to do it, I'm hoping this video will help you with this task should you have to perform it.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@clintharrell2258]

Eric, first of all, THANK YOU! I have a 98' Silverado with a 5.7L engine. I had no idea how to shim the starter. Thanks to your video, I was able to fix my problem. GOD bless you sir!

[@Cgarrison]

Was your new starter grinding? This the the problem I am dealing with

[@deanthonytoles8130]

Eric, you are AWESOME bro!! I cannot tell you how many times I've searched your videos to find an issue i was dealing with. This one here is perfect!! I have a 2011 GMC Acadia Denali engine out the vehicle and the engine itself is the same but different sensors, manifold and apparently it needs shimmed for the starter to not bind with the flywheel. The starter gear doesn't retract back after cranking and gets stuck in teeth of the flex plate. I even bought a new starter thinking that was the issue...then I seen this. Thank you, Sir! Much Love and Respect

[@Anthony0899]

I really appreciate the help man , towards the end definitely started to make sense when you mentioned if you have to get it closer or farther away using shims , the whole videos ll definitely helped

[@WoodrowPhathom]

Thanks mate, Installed a new after market hi-torque starter on my old Dodge pick up, and have been driven near mad with it grinding every other start. Your advice on how to 'paint test teeth contact', Gold !

[@Placer]

who the hell follows Eric to simply dislike his videos? The rest of us are here to learn and sharpen up our skills. You spend time to find his videos to dislike them? Damn you scotty kilmer. ha. Keep up the work Eric.

[@epopddot]

Thanks for the info Eric, I opened the box, saw the shims and decided to watch a pro. I enjoyed your video.

[@ballershanelle]

As a kid growing up on a farm with old parents plus only American made trucks, shimming was the first thing my dad bitched about. Add, old skool mechanic to that and it explains why, some youngins may not know. Shim pieces come with some starters. Besides that, starters can be purchased bad off the shelf.

[@freakinsingle]

That's just great to keep in mind considering I am about to order a brand new, maybe Reman- I'm really not sure what it will be , ordering from Rock Auto in just a little while after I have given up on looking for coupon codes like my mother wanted me to in the attempt to save a little money, think I'll find one that is valid?. ?? Also I want to make sure there isn't such thing as a different style starter for my Ram. I want to feel confident that whichever parts that I buy I get it right the first time, I can have everything prepped for it to be installed the moment after it arrives. I hope it is shipped and delivered just as expedient as my very first experience ordering from RockAuto .com.. To the author, director, actor and producer of this video ...Thanks for doing the Video

[@Kaibil66]

Excellent job ....you are the best ....so professional I always learn from you thanks.

[@akshairtube]

Eric-you have great articles that are very helpful and informative. in this article I would have liked to see a situation where you shimmed a starter rather than show one that did not need it. Thanks and keep up the great work a k shair

[@ORGANISM44]

Exactly my thought as well

[@brentadrian9030]

Thanks man. That was just what I needed to know. I’m even borrowing my daughters paint.

[@epiphaknee]

Great video! I'm having this problem on a 1995 S-10 (same starter), so I can't wait to wait to paint to find out what is wrong! It only happens on the new starter. I'm going with bright orange! I also wanted to mention that BBB Industries has both wiring diagrams and TSB's , so that is a great resource!! Eric shared this with us in a prior video!

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Eric. Thanks for the way to fix my grinding starter. Keep it up. 🍁👍👍

[@josephastier7421]

Using gear marking compound to check the contact pattern should be standard procedure for installing a starter. That is a fantastic idea, I will do that from now on.

[@crruisercharliehaas8832]

Would liked to have seen exactly where and how you add the shims

[@KreemeeSwEEt]

yes, would have made the video description much more accurate

[@ChipperTheChipster]

Same

[@48laws45]

No bullshit! The other info was helpful however the title is misleading and probably on purpose to click bait more of an audience view which is a form of deception not to mention since we didn't SEE him do it himself he probably had somebody else do it 😂

[@juakaliautomotive]

Bet you would've liked someone to just DO it for u too huh...

[@reaper110588]

If you don’t know that you should probably get a trained Tech to maybe do the job for you

[@TheOzthewiz]

Very informative video. Thanks for uploading and as always, be safe, have fun, and stay dirty. CHEERS!

[@tuffguy407]

this guy is one articulate friggin mechanic!!!! awesome!!!

[@davidiscae]

Hello Eric, I wanna say that I like your videos and I really enjoy them. Keep up your work!

[@timsharpe3498]

The most fool proof way to avoid GM starter issues is to rebuild the original starter or reuse the original snout on your reman unit. Alignment issues are always caused by will fit reman stuff.

[@mrmanitoba]

I finally shimmed mine right with 4 half shims on the outer bolt. Just seemed goofy that it would be so offset, but after 4 starters, it worked.

[@garrettdschaak5949]

Bad flywheel??

[@mrmanitoba]

@@garrettdschaak5949 No, I changed the flex plate and it was the same issue. Seems to be a common problem on some older Chevy blocks

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Great video as always, but did I miss the "before" gear contact pattern or was it not shown or do we have a situation where it was noisy on the right mesh?

[@80s90sfan]

Thanks, I got it and my starter works and sounds...well, like it should!

[@Chris_905]

ive never heard of shimming a starter over here in the UK , they are just bolted in with no available adjustment to their position , oh well thats me learnt something , ive heard painting the teeth to set up diffs and the paint is called engineers blue . top vid eric :-)

[@robertcarlos78]

well I fix my starter problem after going through 3 starters. Video was a big help I use the Allen wrench for clearance and shim it correctly, thanks alot.

[@carmac1652]

I'm getting a bad grinding noise .I put the starter in 1 year ago ?

[@gregkinney2394]

outstanding insight on shimming--best instructional video available

[@Wilderneshunter]

Eric, I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!! I use them in my shop class in Auto Mechanics!!!

[@kenman1717]

great vid. i used to have a 97 gmc truck. it would grind after i let off the key, but it only did it when it was below -15c. i looked up the service manual that if it was grinding while starting, remove a shim, if it grinds after the key is let off add a shim. my truck didn't have any shims to being with, and i wasn't about to add a shim to correct a grind at -15c and risk it grinding when it was warm out. i miss that truck, touch the key at -45c and it fired up no problem. new one won't.

[@rosspeters6089]

Thanks Eric! Saving my ass with another quality video.

[@SubaruG27]

Great video as always Eric!

[@jacksonfev]

Don't know if this issue was ever resolved but in case someone else has the same problem, some of the teeth on the flexplate might be damaged. So sometimes it will grind and sometimes it will start normally. Easy to check if you just pull the starter and spin the engine to check all the teeth.

[@MudRFunR]

Great video. Just like to add that you must use special starter bolts. Ordinary bolts will allow the starter to shift enough to make the starter grind and eventually wear out the flywheel teeth.

[@billwilliams4394]

Thanks I bought a truck and the guy had used the wrong bolts on the starter , Your comment fixed it

[@MudRFunR]

@@billwilliams4394 Happy to help!

[@edparungao5733]

Where do you get the right bolts.

[@iLoveu4ll]

That tahoe looks like my 1994 Suburban's little brother. Same paint, grille, roof rack ect. hahaha, Thanks for the video, My starter grinds BAD when starting, obviously haha. I'm glad I have a couple spare starters if it breaks. Time to pull out my starter and check haha.

[@gawdat3859]

Did I blink? I missed it when you did the shim.

[@josephastier7421]

@@shawndonald78 The bolts go through them, THAT is not complicated. The part that takes investigation is finding out how much thickness you need.

[@ORGANISM44]

How the hell do you install the shims????????????? Thats why i watched the video! Where the hell do they go? The video is clearly titled "how to shim a starter" but you did not shim the starter nor show us how! What the hell?

[@jacobfain9]

lol if you dont know where the shims go you shouldn't be working on any kind of engine.

[@jameskrankel3464]

Organicle Man

[@Soknik01]

jacobfain9 spoken like a true idiot. If you haven't yet recognized the importance of perspective taking, you shouldn't be giving any advice. Seriously....

[@ssimon64]

Lol

[@Knowledge-IS-Power365]

There's really only 1 place the shims can go... it's just - it is what it is. So the real question is "How to measure to know if you need shims". Maybe the title was somewhat misleading to a "non-mechanic", but personally, I found the video to answer my own question quite well. Good show.

[@sergiomoya8546]

U the best always find answers on your videos..

[@shawnp8429]

this shit is stressful

[@anothermealcastironchefftr6039]

Great idea paint starter gear working on a 1955 farmall tractor starter will not engage the flex plate flex plate good shape thanks again 👍

[@rogerref3575]

is BBB YOUR SPONSOR OMG THIS IS FREAKEN AWSOME DUDE U ARE A GOOD MECHANIC

[@zipper978]

Do you ever do any performance installs in your shop. Such as power adders or performance exhaust installs

[@mrwebber35]

Thanks, I've got a new tube of prussian blue I've been dying to try out. Just want to check my alignment on my 1976 Tradesman Van.

[@MeInTheCornfield]

Oh yeah...you do GREAT work with these videos, Eric!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@AllRightieThen]

@xmaxjetplane1 It still sounds like a vacuum leak, and since the idle is supposed to drop when the engine is warm it is more prone to stalling in case of a vacuum leak. I am sure there are good guides on youtube for checking starter leaks using propane or some other gas, propane usually being one of the safer options. It can be a pain in the neck though, if the leak is small.

[@stevejenkins6924]

Thanks bud your a life saver!

[@SomethinqWeird]

@13FravelJ check your terminals, make sure they are well placed and tight

[@MystikalDawn]

question, when installing on a brand new block do you use any shims or would it be safe to try with none first?

[@killman1971]

@bashbits Most European starters bolt end wise onto the back of the engine and require no shimming. Tolerances always allow for proper gear tooth engagement anywhere along the length of the gear. VWs were like this from the beginning. Many US engines have starters that bolt length wise onto the bottom of the engine. Tolerances are usually good but any changes will result in improper teeth gear engagement. Notice how this starter is bolted to the engine compared to European engines.

[@jgizzy]

@929rrdan A inch/lbs wrench is 12-times as precise as a foot-lbs wrench. You can just divide or multiply by 12 in order to convert the numbers either way. 1ft-lb = 12 inch-lbs. There are conversions online if you have any trouble with the math -- but the reason for the "inch-lb wrench" is obviously because adjusting the bands on your Durango need careful precision for best adjustment, and a ft-lbs wrench may make it harder to get right.

[@HotRodTom47]

Eric, thanks great video

[@christopherbeasley9819]

EricTheCarGuy Thanks for the info

[@CharlesTireSmoker]

i have had three starters to installed on my motor in my 85 Trans Am with 5.0 liter engine. first starter worked four cranks, the starter itself cracked and free spun. second starter the starter wouldn't engage. third starter is what i am currently using now had it for over a year. no problems yet. :)

[@chrisvill54]

is this only a gm thing or does it apply to all starters? I have this same engine and Tranny on my k1500. for some reason after years of no issues, my truck started sounding terrible when I would try to started. and it would not start. took my starter out had it tested at 2 different places, it failed, so I'm assuming that the starter was sticking out and not coming back when I let go of the ignition. so I bought a new starter and tried this method to measure clearance, with the shim that came with the starter the Clarence was right on, but the truck sounded bad when I would start it, so I added another shim and it sounded much better but the clearance was loose with the 1/8 Allen wrench so I guess maybe my flexplate might be rough on the teeth and that's why the 1/8 clearance might not be enough. I took off that cover for the torque converter bolts for now incase I keep having issues but so far it's been starting good makes a little noise but nothing compared to before, my flexplate teeth are a little banged up but not broken so I'm thinking that's why it still sounds a little rough when starting. some day I will bring the Tranny down and replace the flexplate and do the rear main seal and torque converter seal.

[@sampornea]

The video should have shown how the shims affect the alignment.

[@12resurrected]

This video doesn't show how to install a shim.

[@jimdavidson5208]

+Jay Monroy bell housing - SHIM - starter

[@MrNotorius5500]

+Jerome Hall The shims are placed between the surfaces of the starter and engine where the bolts thread into.

[@josephastier7421]

The bolts go through them.

[@jpearson311]

If the starter isn't shimmed correctly, will it make your starter bolts come loose? I have an 87 Chevy V10 and the starter bolts keep coming loose.

[@BriggsStratton11]

I just installed a new starter. Right after startup I get a quick metallic grind sound for less than a second. Is this a shim issue, or a bendix issue?

[@jglaboratory]

same with 4clyd? got a 89 mazda 323..new starter...still wants to give a loud grind sometimes when starting like its slipping gears on flywheel. same with my audi now too...can the edges of gears on flywheel be worn or something to let it slip?..maybe shim a side to angle starter a bit..cars not worth new flywheel and dont have shop to do any hardcore wrk...live in apartment complex.

[@XcitemusicEntertainment]

Hi Eric, I have a problem. My starter just clicks but does not engage the flywheel/flexplate. It was replaced two years ago. I was able to spin the crank with a wrench and I know the engine is good. My car is 96 Toyota Camry. I wish you could give me an idea on what to do to get the car firing. I also checked the voltage at the ignition coil, it checks out at 12V. I smell gas on the spark plugs and don't think it is the fuel pump. checked the batter, checked out fine. enjoy watching your videos!

[@breaktobroken]

@13FravelJ that would be the starter solenoid. aka the smaller round part with the two screws poking out. either its burnt out or its not getting 12+ volts

[@Gearheadtom]

so now I know, I'll have to use paint if I ever have to shim the starter on my truck. I've got a '97 chev half-ton with the 305 (5.0L), which is a very similar motor to the 350 (5.7L) in the video.

[@GEO3535]

great video man

[@jayyoutube8790]

I had a 1988 olds with a 2.5, and my wife had a 1989 Buick with a 2.5.. Both cars were damn near identical, but did have miner differences. But the Buick starter had a few shims, my olds had none.. The Buick also had a internal oil filter..

[@jessihawkins9116]

*minor

[@wack_]

So how do you add shims?

[@megpie9971]

Eric, Can you help me? My husband was fixing the starter on the 2004 Honda Accord XL 2.4 6 cylinders, Somehow with a tool, he pulled on the throttle line the one for the RPM and the car is racing a little it's up to over 2.3 instead I believe it suppose to be on 1 not sure but can you tell me how I fix this? Getting to the RPM its suppose to be and not like the car wants to go on its own. Thank You and looking back from you appreciate all you do.

[@karzygijose]

I doubt anyone is still on this video let alone Eric I got a 2004 Saturn VUE 3.5 Honda engine Only in the cold weather or when the car is cold the starter makes a grinding screeching noise for a second or so Also when I shut the car off the muffler “farts” once it’s shut off

[@natefidalgo7625]

how often cann't you get an allen wrench or 1/8in of something between to check. Is it common to have to uses gear paint /paint with this method alot...also can you uses body shims if your starter motor you get doesnt common with its own shim. I see the issue of just bolting it on and not checking alignment as you could be screwing up your new starter as well as the flywheel plate.

[@SanchoSanto]

"How to make flour tortillas" I just bought this burrito which just happens to come with a flour tortilla so no need to make a flour tortilla. The end. Hahahahaha!

[@dkemp1337]

I could tell by the way it actually started it was fine lol

[@TheZenerDiode]

@halosux4life Dykem would be ideal... Nice vid Eric, always wondered if did it right till now.

[@13FravelJ]

@HoonProductions So I should have my alternator tested to see if it is charging the battery?

[@wilnerlivesformaiden]

ive used paint for measuring the contact between deferential teeth... but for a starter is just genius!

[@mumbles552]

Maybe I missed it but what thickness or size is the Allen key? A drill bit should work to.

[@Deepwaterjew]

may i suggest you use white out ive used it few times and it works perfect the teeth scratch it off leaving a very visible mark

[@cornraker]

I've installed a half dozen or so starters on Fords and never had to shim them. I've never even heard of this. Is this a brand specific thing?

[@whitebread8381]

eric my sister wants to know if your available shes looking for somebody

[@Alexandra-Rex]

Do you know of any info on restoring a starter? I got a new one, it works, but has more teeth than the one that used to be in my engine, so it turns the engine slower, so it takes more time to start (just a bit, but still). I want to take the starter apart to see if it can be fixed. Any ideas on this?

[@dreamer2355]

Your video's keep getting better!

[@MrPyroburns]

Hey Eric I have a 83 Chevy high Sierra with a 75 small block 350 and I’m having a huge problem... what the hell do I do if the starter works great when the engine is cold but when it is warm or hot it grinds EXTREMELY bad and shreds the gears??? I’ve been trying to figure out this issue for a while now but have not succeeded

[@philn7874]

What size Allen wrench did he use for the gauge between the flywheel and the starter Bendix?

[@kevinzki21]

1/8 inch drill bit/gauge. Basically anything that is 1/8 inch thick exactly and it should be wedged between the flywheel teeth and armature shaft like he showed. if it fits exactly between them, then the clearance is 1/8 inch diameter and generally thats the clearance we shoot for (verify with shop manual if doubtful)

[@majorghn]

Do shims go bad? When I start my car the starter is hitting against metal, sounds like it's loose maybe and smacking against the shim?

[@yerboogieman]

I really don't want to do this.... Why the hell don't they just make starters that fit?

[@ufartface]

when they take your core they sandblast it which removes material that needs to be replaced for fit

[@carmac1652]

Yes bull shit .I'm getting grinding noise bad ? I put the starter in 1 year ago

[@smackface6]

no no no they is wrong i blame china

[@slowride55]

How do you take play out of steering? I have a decent amount of play on my 96 gmc sierra.

[@raymondsandoval4321]

my Chrysler town & country starter is going bad. can I tap or hit the started with a screw driver or something to start it one more time

[@robertlucky]

thanks man!

[@frankie2234]

Just took the starter off my 89 chevy truck. New starter didn't mate up, had to get a 83 starter. I'm thinking last owner swapped out tranny. But there were no shims, and none in the replacement. Does that happen alot: no shim install? Thanks Eric.

[@AgustinCesar]

Do all the starters need to be properply shimmed? Since I kinda have a weird problem with mine but not at startup, but with the engine already running.

[@deathoviacomm]

Hey Eric, is there a core charge on the starter?

[@xmaxjetplane1]

@AllRightieThen Its only when the engine has warmed up and it does it when just letting off the gaswhile im driving.

[@Shino2600]

Jeff Banfield I just had a new starter replaced and I now hear the same thing when I let my foot off. Sounds like a baseball card in a bicycle wheel...what was the issue or fix you had?

[@isaacsanchez5159]

My 87 Regal with a 350 started fine, then it started grinding, so i replaced it it worked fine now its starting to grind and it wont start. Any advice??

[@dp.4680]

Eric I just put in a rebuilt 350 SBC and starter has way too big gap between flywheel and Bendix shaft .. how can I fix?

[@franciscomojica5427]

What if I have no shim on my starter and there's just a little to much play... sometimes it struggles and doesn't want to start sounds weak

[@GreekSealover]

I have an OEM starter brand new, and a brand new 153 teeth flywheel, but the starter is barely coming into contact with the flywheel. How to make it approach by like half cm?

[@adamgoof]

I have a question I replace the fly wheel and the starter but still making that grinding noise how can I fix this problem 74 Chevy long bed

[@Filmaker25]

Do you have to do this everytime you replace a sarter?

[@thisdudeisback]

Ok soo the shims go between the starter and tthe mounting points on the block. The shim is to but distance between the teeth on starter gear and the flywheel/faceplate like a spacer. To put them on. Is easy... if you adding to stsrt thats already on, remove the bolt on passanger side and loosen the other till you can slide the shim in. Line up holes and tighten back down

[@Vladiuslaus]

Hello Eric, I have a 55 chevy bel air and the bendix don't disengage even when all the wiring is ok, the solenoid is ok, I tested the starter out of the car and works fine, and the switch tested with a multimeter, I used a screw driver with the key switch off the car to turn on the starter and it won't stop so i disconnect the battery, could it be the gap on the pinions???

[@kingkong8974]

I'd replace your ignition switch. Sounds like it's stuck at crank when you turn over

[@mountainmanfishing446]

Eric, I'm having an issue with my jeep. one day I jumped in and the starter would grind against the flywheel. replaced the starter and the new one is doing the same. should I get another starter? 94 jeep 4.0 has very little movement for the starter to be misaligned. maybe 1/16 side to side.

[@jasoncastillo1804]

Alex Thelen

[@AllRightieThen]

@xmaxjetplane1 Hi. If this happens every time you apply the brake pedal, it might be a vacuum leak in you brake booster.

[@thetrickerful]

thanks for tip might help my noisy and terrible sound, it so annoy in a car show .

[@gilbertramos6446]

Hey I have like a little sound like when a playing card is on the spokes of a bike tik tik noise I put my rear seal in and everything back together and sometimes the noise come and go. Would u have any idea what it might be thank u!

[@13FravelJ]

Hey Eric, What does it mean if you go to start your car and you turn the key and all you here is a ticking noise, and the battery was just replaced?

[@kryptocide-]

amazing vid