6.2 starter shimming

[6.2Frank]

Instructions for shimming my lifetime Napa starter are clear as mud, at least to me:
How do I see/check when the starter is aligned correctly w/the shims??

Tnx!!!

[john8662]

Does it give you the diameter of the gauge rod to use? This can normally be a drill bit, but I can't remember from past documentation what size it was.

Basically, you remove the inspection cover on the transmission so you can see the flexplate and torque converter. Then you'll take your gauge rod and place it in between the starter shaft (shaft that the starter gear slides and rides on towards the flexplate when the bendix makes it) and the teeth on the flexplate. You're looking for close, but not too close as to not allow your gauge rod to fit in between.

Adjusting is a little more interesting.

The shims are when it's too close.

But if it's too far away?

You'll cut your shim in half and put only the half shim underneath the starter bolt hole that's on the outside of the block (furthest from the oil pan).

That makes the starter tilt inward to the flexplate.

J