Starter Shims

[Scott91370]

Picked up an 82 last weekend and it's supposed to run but needed a battery - blah blah blah.

I get it hooked up to power but when I turn the key I get a click from the starter motor engaging the flex plate then a noise like the starter is straining to turn but the engine is not turning. Let go of the key and turn it again, same sounds. Pulled starter and everything, without load, works correctly. Bolted it back in, same results.

I watched several videos and they all mentioned when grinding that shimming would be needed but I couldn't find out if this would be the same issue. I'm thinking, yes because the starter bendix gear does engage (I climbed under with the inspection plate removed and verified) but the starter cannot spin the engine. Oh yeah, I am able to turn over the engine, with plugs in, with a breaker bar.


Thanks all!!

 

[SirRobyn0]

I doubt that's a shim issue. I've run into starters that would no load spin just fine, but were to week to actually turn the engine over. check over the cable to the starter and ground carefully, if your jumping it and the battery is completely toast it could be sucking to much power before it gets to the starter, but if its a new or good battery in there now, and the cables and ends are good stick a new starter in.

 

[Octane]

If the starter gear is jammed into the teeth on the flexplate/flywheel tightly shim it out

 

[ali_c20]

I think the starter is gone. My old starter had more and more difficulties to turn the engine before it died. I would also check all ground wires.

 

[Scott91370]

While I don't like to hear the get a new starter comment I am willing to accept it. I am going to try shims first since these things are so easy to work on.
I will post the results.

 

[SirRobyn0]

While I don't like to hear the get a new starter comment I am willing to accept it. I am going to try shims first since these things are so easy to work on.
I will post the results.

There is always a chance the shims will work, but generally my experience has been if its a shim issue it'll either make noise or won't engage, or is hard to get to engage, but not it engages fine but won't turn the motor. Good luck and let us know what you end up having to do.

 

[Scott91370]

I measured the space between the starter shaft and the flywheel and it was barely wider than the 1/8" I've been reading about so I did not shim it - go ahead with the I told you so... Instead I was reminded by a friend at work that I had another starter sitting in the shop from the other truck. Swapped it in and same issue. My new diagnosis is not enough power from the old battery and even when jumping it it doesn't help. I'm going to get a new battery - need one any way so it's not a waste of $$ - and try again tomorrow. Cold front came in and it's 40* with a constant 10mph north wind.
I will report back tomorrow.

 

[SirRobyn0]

I measured the space between the starter shaft and the flywheel and it was barely wider than the 1/8" I've been reading about so I did not shim it - go ahead with the I told you so... Instead I was reminded by a friend at work that I had another starter sitting in the shop from the other truck. Swapped it in and same issue. My new diagnosis is not enough power from the old battery and even when jumping it it doesn't help. I'm going to get a new battery - need one any way so it's not a waste of $$ - and try again tomorrow. Cold front came in and it's 40* with a constant 10mph north wind.
I will report back tomorrow.

Glad to hear your making head way on it at least.

 

[Snoots]

When you don't properly align a starter . . .

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[Scott91370]

 

[Scott91370]

Thanks again for all the input! The issue was the battery. Popped in a new one, charged it up and that baby cranks over like crazy. Now to get the dip stick in, change the oil (since I don't know anything about it) and see if she will run!