Starter shim???

[WVUFELLA]

Is it always neccessary to have a starter shim in place between the starter and transmission??? I just bought a brand new mini starter and sometimes it catches  and sometimes it just spins. IF you try to start it and dont completely let everything come a stop and wait a second or two the starte will just spin then it will finally catch ..... seems to me like the starter is sitting out a wee bit to far to catch the teeth to spin the mototr over??? any thoughts?? it is a summit mini on a 440 dont knwo if that matters or not???

[ksierens]

Sounds more like the solenoid in the starter is flaky.  The shims are usually need when the starter grinds when engaged.  From what you are saying, it sounds like the starter is not engaging at all.

[WVUFELLA]

IT will engage and start the car however if you dont wait till everything is completely stopped then it will just spin. Hopefully now that it is running i wont be grinding on the starter much ???SHould i remove the shim to get it a couple thosandths closer to the teeth to turn the engine over??

[71chally416]

Try loosening the bolts and repositioning it slightly 

[Chryco Psycho]

 
 Mopars do not use shims , if moving doesnT help I would replace the starter

[71chally416]

I think he's referring to that plate that goes in there behind the starter Chrycho. It's not really a shim, but a water shield(?) They are too thin to really make any difference in starter gear engagement.

[WVUFELLA]

what starters do yall use I bought a mini one from Motorcity reman and  it didnt last so I bought a SUmmit Mini from summit now it seems to bo not working correctly what kind do yall buy??

[71chally416]

I think mine is from Mancini but I'm not sure. It was on the old motor when I bought the car. It's some Japanese brand. I did have a problem with it when I changed the tranny with it engaging the ring gear right, but I just loosened the bolts and repositioned it a little. I don't think the the foreign starter mounting holes are made to the same close tolerances that the old American starters were. 

[nivvy]

I think he's referring to that plate that goes in there behind the starter Chrycho. It's not really a shim, but a water shield(?) They are too thin to really make any difference in starter gear engagement.