New starter motor not meshing properly - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

jimxms · 11-11-2021, 12:03 PM

I’ve just installed a new starter to replace my sluggish old one. It starts the car but makes an awful grinding noise when doing so. Both the old and new starter look identical right down to the position of the gears.

I assumed installation was simple with just a couple of bolts and no shimming needed etc?

https://youtube.com/shorts/1OBhJuZzPNI?feature=share

gtstorey · 11-11-2021, 12:13 PM

Sounds like shimming is needed.

HOJO · 11-11-2021, 12:13 PM

If it’s the right starter you definitely need some shims. Not all starters seem to have the same molded dimensions.

jimxms · 11-11-2021, 12:29 PM

Sorry for the dumb question, but how do I shim it?

gtstorey · 11-11-2021, 12:41 PM

Put spacers between the starter and block. You can look up starter shimming on youtube.

jimxms · 11-11-2021, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

Put spacers between the starter and block. You can look up starter shimming on youtube.

Will do. Is there a specific shim kit needed for the camaro, or is it pretty much different thickness of washers?

jimxms · 11-11-2021, 03:32 PM

As I'm on the other side of the pond From you guys and I cant pop down the autoparts store and get shims for a camaro, I drew this up in cad based on my old starter and I'll get it cut in 0.3mm alu so I can stack a few if needed.
Am i doing this right?

gtstorey · 11-11-2021, 03:43 PM

I'm not sure I would use aluminum, but it will probably work.

barkeater46 · 11-11-2021, 05:15 PM

Looks pretty close. As I recall, the sides of the shims were straight. Slotted on on end for sure so you can slip them in w/out dropping both bolts.
Classic issue with GM starters going back decades. Due to differences in bell housings and starters the drive can be engaged in the ring gear too deep(no gear lash) causing the noise. Not sure of thickness. Maybe .015" or .020". Add as needed. Ditto gtstorey , steel would be better.

jimxms · 11-12-2021, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barkeater46

Looks pretty close. As I recall, the sides of the shims were straight. Slotted on on end for sure so you can slip them in w/out dropping both bolts.
Classic issue with GM starters going back decades. Due to differences in bell housings and starters the drive can be engaged in the ring gear too deep(no gear lash) causing the noise. Not sure of thickness. Maybe .015" or .020". Add as needed. Ditto gtstorey , steel would be better.

Only reason I was thinking Ali was both the block and the starter are ALi too, so not mixing dissimilar metals?

However, it just so happens my laser cutters doesn't have any ali that thin anyway so I'm going to have to use stainless.

sdynak · 11-12-2021, 06:37 AM

Just a thought but what about getting another starter or brand? If you purchased locally explain to them the issue. That would be my first resolution but you can do the shim route if easier for you.

CamaroCracka · 11-12-2021, 06:51 AM

Don't you have Amazon?

I used these on my truck with both the 6.0 and 7.0 engines. I changed flywheels a while back and no longer needed them.

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-02336-...C%2CB007QBSZ8U

jimxms · 11-12-2021, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdynak

Just a thought but what about getting another starter or brand? If you purchased locally explain to them the issue. That would be my first resolution but you can do the shim route if easier for you.

I live in the UK, so returning a starter to the US is gonna be costly and take a load of time. I did fill out an RMA for it, but I'd rather fix it if I can.

Same deal with the shims. I can buy legit ones, but they'll take a week to arrive and cost me $60+ once shipping and taxes are added, for just some little scraps of metal.

11-11-2021, 12:03 PM	#1
jimxms Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: UK Posts: 14	New starter motor not meshing properly I’ve just installed a new starter to replace my sluggish old one. It starts the car but makes an awful grinding noise when doing so. Both the old and new starter look identical right down to the position of the gears. I assumed installation was simple with just a couple of bolts and no shimming needed etc? https://youtube.com/shorts/1OBhJuZzPNI?feature=share

11-11-2021, 03:32 PM	#7
jimxms Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: UK Posts: 14	As I'm on the other side of the pond From you guys and I cant pop down the autoparts store and get shims for a camaro, I drew this up in cad based on my old starter and I'll get it cut in 0.3mm alu so I can stack a few if needed. Am i doing this right? Attached Images

11-12-2021, 06:37 AM	#11
sdynak Drives: 2010 1SS Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Bayville, NJ Posts: 936	Just a thought but what about getting another starter or brand? If you purchased locally explain to them the issue. That would be my first resolution but you can do the shim route if easier for you. __________________ 2010 1SS LS3, Black, 235/250, .621/.615, 114 + 4, Kooks Stepped Headers, 3.91's, Bo White PTB, Flowmaster Mufflers, Cold Air Industries CAI, Apex Scoop & Windshield Washer Relocate, SLP Wheels, Skip Shift Eliminate, Barton Flat Stick, OEM HID/Halos, Dyno Tuned by ECS

11-12-2021, 06:51 AM	#12
CamaroCracka Drives: 2010 Turbo LS3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 2,736	Don't you have Amazon? I used these on my truck with both the 6.0 and 7.0 engines. I changed flywheels a while back and no longer needed them. https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-02336-...C%2CB007QBSZ8U __________________ 2010 SS - On3 kit with downpipe cutout, CTR 78/80, CompCam 239/251 620/632 122+4, E85, Z28 suspension and ZL1 diff with Outlaw axles. Gen6 ZL1/1LE brakes. 2011 Vert - 416/w 230/236 .612/.602 115lsa, 1LE suspension w/32mm rear bar. Z28 diff. ZL1 brakes.

11-11-2021, 12:13 PM	#2
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,155	Sounds like shimming is needed.

11-11-2021, 12:13 PM	#3
HOJO Drives: 2014 Camaro SS/RS 1LE 1967 Camaro Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 874	If it’s the right starter you definitely need some shims. Not all starters seem to have the same molded dimensions.

11-11-2021, 12:29 PM	#4
jimxms Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: UK Posts: 14	Sorry for the dumb question, but how do I shim it?

11-11-2021, 12:41 PM	#5
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,155	Put spacers between the starter and block. You can look up starter shimming on youtube.

11-11-2021, 03:43 PM	#8
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,155	I'm not sure I would use aluminum, but it will probably work.

11-11-2021, 05:15 PM	#9
barkeater46 Drives: 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Central New York Posts: 81 View My Garage	Looks pretty close. As I recall, the sides of the shims were straight. Slotted on on end for sure so you can slip them in w/out dropping both bolts. Classic issue with GM starters going back decades. Due to differences in bell housings and starters the drive can be engaged in the ring gear too deep(no gear lash) causing the noise. Not sure of thickness. Maybe .015" or .020". Add as needed. Ditto gtstorey , steel would be better.