Starter shim

Having trouble every now and then with a stuck starter, I've filled any burrs off the ring gear. I sometimes can start and drive for months without any problem, then it then it sticks again. I've got a paper shim in now and I'm down to my last one in stock. Would like to try a metal shim to see if that will work a bit better.
 
Shim is used between starter case and bell housing. Supposed to help resolve a stuck bendix up against ring gear.
 
I second Tom's question. Shims are supposed to be needed only with the very earliest style (ABELL) starters. I think you may be grasping at the wrong straw. If the problem occurs as rarely as you indicate, it's going to take a century of data to establish statistical probability.
 
Shims will only make the problem worse by shifting the drive closer to the flywheel.

Check that the drive helix is clean and has nothing heavier than a thin coat of very light oil. Also make sure the tiny pin and spring on the pinion is free to move and has a drop of oil for easy movement.
 
The reason your starter is sticking is the shaft is slightly bent and the teeth on the flywheel are worn in one place. You would be smart to replace the starter and the next time the flywheel is exposed, replace the starter ring.
 
Back
Top