Thread: Starter Grind: Flex plate Tooth / Starter or Battery?

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153 vs 168 tooth starter - ChevyTalk - FREE Restoration and Repair Help for your Chevrolet

That is just one of a whole bunch of stuff I got by "googling" "Chevy small block starter problems". Lots of reading available.

Now, when you get the starter out and examine the teeth, finding no damage, the next problem is getting it right. There are two different mounting patterns for Chevy starters, and several aftermarket starters that have "universal" fit; you already know your starter fits, so, if no damage to the teeth on the gears, make sure you have the correct bolts - new ones would be a good idea, and a set of shims, available in a blister pack at most generic auto parts stores. Since you are working upside down under the truck, keep in mind which direction things need to move when you are checking clearances and shimming; it can and does get confusing sometimes.

I prefer to remove the solenoid from the starter to make it easier to engage the gear to the flywheel for checking; bolt the starter up snug with the new bolts, engage the starter gear into the flywheel, and using a number one paper clip that has been straightened out to an "L", check the clearance between the drive gear and the flywheel at the sides and tip of the gear teeth, and add or adjust shims until it is right - it can get to be a pain in the butt, but it is what is needed.

Here is a thing I found on a search that describes the shimming process. In it, he recommends a clearance of .020, and if you have an .020 wire feeler gauge, that is fine; I never had one, and found that a number one paper clip, wire diameter is .033, worked fine.

Chevy: starter clearance to flywheel and what..small block

Oh yeah, find a starter to block support bracket - pretty much a must have thing.

Go digging on "the net", there is a lot of info if you look hard enough.

Good luck.

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