Shimming a SBC starter the correct way.

My SBC has a gear reduction starter. Starts quickly but as I release the key the Bendix seems to drag on momentarily making ugly sounds. ( Screech like noise.)
I've shimmed it several times by diagrams out of rodding magazines, tried the paper clip measurement, I've installed new knurled bolts, shimmed it on the outer edge once, then even equally across both bolts, but it seems I'm missing something here.
My mini starter is the type with the attachment bolts in a straight line but the block is drilled and tapped for both straight and staggered.
Any suggestions from other starter motor veterans on the H.A.M.B?

 

Supposed to be 1/8" between starter and flywheel

 

This is going to sound absolutely stupid but trust me.

Check your timing.

 

2many, what brand mini starter are we talking about? Is it a cheaper import or a Powermaster? Might be a case of poor manufacturing/tolerances. Can you take it back down and take the drive end apart? Remove the nose and check the bendix, the shaft, the bushing, and possible alignment issues within the starter itself.

 

Or even a fitmeent problem. Like a tight bushing or a major burr on the shaft.

If you are shimming you need 1/8" as had been mentioned I have never had any problem using a 1/8 allen wrtench. You can look on the gear for an uneven wear pattern or mark obn a newer starter to see if you need to shim one side or the other more.

 

I've never tried one of the little aftermarket starters, and I've always been able to get them to work quietly. Will a stock, large starter fit in the car?

also, are the flywheel teeth torn up now?

 

Part of the problem may be because the aftermarket minis do not have a nose cone which allows the starter gear shaft to flex whereas with the nose cone it's supported. Have you tried a factory mini? I've been using one for years and they are great.

 

this is gonna sound stupid , but which way does the shim go on ?

 

Depends what you're trying to do with it. If you are adding clearance, it goes between the block and starter, and both bolts go thru the shim (use the whole shim). If you are reducing clearance, it goes between the block and starter only at the outer bolt (use just the end of the shim).

 

Dealing with this now on a 472 caddilac engine. Starter makes horrible grinding noises when starting, yet there is much more than 1/8" clearance between the flexplate and the shaft the starter gear rides on. I thought it would only grind like hell if the clearance was not enough? Gear pattern looked ok, but the big crack in the starter nose did not. Off to the store for a starter.

 

to much clearance???^^^ check the wear pattern