shiming the starter?

[Reaper]

ok, my starter died on me ( i cant really complain i have owned the car for 3 years and untill this week i have yet to have any problems with the battery and the starter. neither last long in the AZ summer) i installed a new starter today, and had to put 2 half shims to get the right clearance. i am wondering if that is normal? i have a chevy truck that eats starters like candy. it never needs shimmed. also i am thinking that my starter is the factory one! it dont look like any reman or new one i have ever bought.


thanks
dathan

 

[salvageV6]

I bought a Bosch remanned one in place of my original one. $68

Came with shims and instructions that scared me.

Popped it in and luckily it didn't make a noise no shims used.

Didn't measure any gear clearances either.

Just my experience.

 

[Turbo Brian]

Rebuilders machine worn mounting pads if necessary to repair the mounting surfaces of the starter. If this is the case, the centerline of the starter is closer to the flywheel and shims are needed. If there is dragging, the starter needs shims.