As a senior car enthusiast, you may already know that the starter is one of the most important components of your car. Without a properly functioning starter, your car won't start, or may even make some strange noises. But how do you know if your starter needs shims? In this article, we'll take a look at what shims are, why they're important, and how to tell if your starter needs them.
What are shims?
Shims are small pieces of metal, usually made of aluminum or brass, that are used to adjust the clearance between the starter motor and the flywheel. The clearance, also known as the air gap, is the distance between the starter motor and the flywheel teeth when the starter is not engaged. Shims are necessary because the clearance must be within a certain range for the starter to work properly.
Why are shims important?
Shims are important because they ensure that the starter motor engages the flywheel properly. If the clearance is too small, the starter motor can bind against the flywheel, causing damage to the starter and the flywheel teeth. If the clearance is too large, the starter may not engage the flywheel teeth properly, causing the engine to turn over slowly or not at all. Shims are used to adjust the clearance to the correct range.
How to tell if your starter needs shims
There are a few signs that your starter may need shims. The first sign is a grinding noise when you try to start your car. This noise is caused by the starter motor grinding against the flywheel teeth because the clearance is too small. If you hear this noise, you should stop trying to start your car immediately and have it checked by a mechanic.
The second sign is a slow cranking speed when you try to start your car. This can be caused by a clearance that is too large, which prevents the starter motor from engaging the flywheel teeth properly. If your car cranks slowly, you should have it checked by a mechanic to determine if shims are needed.
The third sign is that your starter may not engage at all when you turn the key. This can be caused by a clearance that is too large, which prevents the starter motor from engaging the flywheel teeth properly. If your car does not start, you should have it checked by a mechanic to determine if shims are needed.
How to install shims
If your starter needs shims, you should have a mechanic install them for you. Installing shims can be tricky, and if they are not installed correctly, they can cause damage to your starter motor and flywheel. A mechanic will be able to determine how many shims are needed and install them correctly.
Conclusion
Shims are an important part of the starter system in your car. If you hear a grinding noise, experience slow cranking speeds, or your car will not start at all, shims may be needed to adjust the clearance between the starter motor and the flywheel. Have a mechanic check your car if you experience any of these symptoms, and have them install shims if necessary.