Thread: Starter Gear Question

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Probably should have checked this before dropping motor and trans in car but wanted to ask. I have a high torque mini starter. I've been told that if you can fit a paper clip between the teeth of starter gear and flexplate, when engaged, you have adequate clearance. We have yet to be at the point of working to fire up this engine for the first time but are getting close. I've noticed when under the car and looking at starter gear and flexplate (while 'at rest'), the starter gear seems to be barely touching or 'right at touching' the edge of flexplate. Is this normal or should there be an 'eyelash' of clearance there between starter gear and flexplate? Any thoughts, thanks

I appreciate it DennyW. Yeah, I'd done some more research and my Dad called Powermaster about it. According to their literature, I need around .100 clearance between starter gear and flexplate when at rest and not engaged. I ordered a shim kit today but am not accustomed to these type of shims (it looks like they go inside the starter). I've been trying to look online for some instructions in the event none come with the shim (part #54-952 by Tilton that i ordered today). Powermaster said the starter already has shims inside and can only take one more set but said it should do the trick. Nothing has been easy with this 383 build, but like a friend of mine said, if this stuff was easy, everybody'd be doing it

We put the shims on yesterday and it was super easy. I thought I'd have to remove the starter gear but all it took was removing the square nose, inputting the two shims and done. I checked clearance with a plug gap tool and things look to be in order. BTW DennyW, thank you for the diagrams,