Model A starter mounting shims

[Patrick]

City

St Michaels

State

MD

Does anyone out there know the correct proceedure that one would use to determine if shims are need between the starter and the bell housing.
I guess one way would ne to look at the gears and see how they are wearing.
I purchased a modern bendix for my car after I converted to 12v and the bendix broke internally after about 15 starts. Not sure if I had a bad unit or I need some shims???????????

 

[InnovativeIdeas]

A suggestion would be to paint the gear with a bright color paint, like yellow. Then reinstall the Starter and run for a while to see the wear pattern, that should tell you whether or not shims are neccesary. You could even leave the key in the "off" position and turn the motor over, that should be enough to show indication.

~Bruce @ Innovative Ideas, LLC.
Innovative.ideasllc@gmail.com

 

[cabrioletgalaxie]

I've not seen starter motor shims. I would check to see if the starter shaft is slightly bent. I run the modern starter drive which is supposed to be much tougher. I use it with a 6v but have heard 12v systems are tougher on starters.