Ok, here's the problem...

Just got a new starter and wired it up. Worked great. Then I bolted it to the engine. As soon as it's mounted to the engine, it will not switch off.

I removed the starter again and tested it while not mounted to the engine, worked fine. Checked the ignition switch, worked fine. Re-attached it, won't shut off. I have to disconnect the neg battery terminal to shut it off.

Any help is appreciated.

-Matt

 

TTT...I really need help with this. It doesn't make any sense for the starter to work only when not bolted to the engine. There must be someone else who has had this problem(I hope).

Thanks in advance

 

Sounds to me like it needs shims.

The teeth of the starter drive are jammed so tight into the teeth of the flywheel or flex plate, that the spring in the solenoid can't retract it, and since the switch that sends power to the motor part of the starter is inside the solenoid, it stays powered.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I have a couple questions about the shims.

Are there shims specifically sold for this purpose?

Where do the shims go? I'm assuming that they go between the starter and the flywheel housing, but won't that cause the starter bolt holes not to line up with the holes on the engine?

I appreciate the help, this starter problem is really holding me up on putting this motor back together.

-Matt

 

Anyone have information on shimming a starter? I'm still a bit confused.

 

between the starter and the block

 

You can get them at any auto parts stores. Look for the GM starter shims, with all the "Help!" stuff. Should be about $2.99 for a pack of 5.

 

You should be able to find them at any place that sells starters. They look a little like this: