Hello. I have a 1968 350 convertible, 2 spd automatic.

After 10+ years of reliable service, replaced my starter after having hot start problems. New battery and new alternator / voltage regulator, charging system is good.

Old starter was from autozone, had 3 thick shims, started fine for 12 years. New starter is from pep boys, having grinding issues. New starter was tested on machine in store, passed.

First installed new starter with no shims, made grinding noise, would not turn over engine. Installed 3 old shims back, grinding noise, but turns over and starts engine. Flywheel looks fine.

Installed 3 old and 3 new shims, grinds worse now, takes 2-3 times to start. Engine runs fine once started, no noises.

Starter spins and whirs, but doesnt spin engine. Then it spins engine, but you can hear the flywheel touching metal as it spins.

Is this a shim issue? Do i need to only shim the outboard bolt? Or is this just a bad starter i need to return to pep boys. its a $49.99 lifetime warranty remanufactured model.

thank you for any advice or help

Fred

Try 1 or 2 shims.

You need a homemade gauge to properly set the clearance between the starter and the flywheel. Get a standard issue papper clip and bend one end forward so that it's pointing away from the rest of the clip. That's your gauge.

Remove the flywheel inspection cover. Install the starter with shims until you can just insert the paperclip between the starter gear and the flywheel. Push the starter gear into measureing position with a large screwdriver.