Posts Tagged: starter grinding noise
Starter Shims: How To Shim A Starter Motor
Starter Shims: Why It’s Critical for Proper Engagement If you’re installing a new or rebuilt starter, there’s one detail that too many technicians and DIYers overlook—starter shimming. It’s not optional in many cases. In fact, failing to install starter shims properly can lead to annoying noises, damaged flywheels, and repeated starter failure. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why it’s necessary, what symptoms indicate it’s needed, and exactly how to measure for and install them correctly. Why Do Some Starters Need Shimming? Many GM engines, especially small-block and big-block … Read More
Starter grinding noise when cranking the engine
How to fix a grinding noise when starting the engine If you hear a metal-to-metal starter grinding noise when trying to start your engine, chances are you’ve got missing teeth on the flywheel or broken/worn teeth on the starter motor drive gear. This damage happens if you try to start an already running engine. Trying to start an already running engine forces the starter drive gear into the spinning teeth of the flywheel, which is turning much faster than the starter motor. As the starter drive gear touches the flywheel, … Read More