I have just replaced my starter motor ( 305 ci). Turns over fine but then as if the battery is half flat, The battery is brand new. I have shimmed the starter so the 1/8 dowel fits snugly between the amature shaft & the flywheel ( one half shim on the outer bolt). Maybe I need to remove the shim but risk having a to bigger gap. The only other thing is that maybe my timing is way out causing this bad starting, the block has a chrome timing chain cover fitted with no timing tab, so I have fitted the 'mr gasget' version which is lower down on the side of the cover, so will this cause timing problems? Its set to 8 degrees BTDC going buy the 'Mr Gasget ' tab

Any thoughts guys..much appreciated

thanks Damian

 

Timing could have an effect on the hard starting when hot. Aftermarket timing tabs are notoriously incorrect. You'll have to use some other means to verify TDC when installing the timing tab.

As for the starter placement and shimming, if the engagement is too tight, you can generally hear the gears whining while cranking. I try to use a single, full-length shim (at both bolts) to prevent stress on the die cast starter nose piece. The bolts will try to hold the starter nose flat against the block, but a shim on only one bolt will tend to distort the nose.

 

Vader,
thanks for that, I will remove the single shim , see what difference that makes. As for the timing I might be better off replacing the chrome cover woth the standard to regain the proper timing tabs.
Many thanks & Cheers Damian

 

You can use the aftermarket tabs, but need to check the position carefully. They are usually made for the largest harmonic balancer, and therefore are somewhat of a generic fit. You can either modify the tab, or mark a new line on your balancer to correspond to the TDC position of the timing tab.

The factory covers don't suffer from any of these problems. I've had a "Made in China" chromed cover or two, and never had much luck with the timing tabs aligning correctly.