replacing I/O starter question

[Lou C]

I have to replace the starter on my OMC Cobra 4.3. I have a new starter and it came with the shim. How do you know if you need to use the shim or not. I have the factory shop manual but it does not address this point. I do recall years ago that we had trouble with a replacement starter on a 1975 Olds V-8 because the shim was not used at first. Any suggestions?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: replacing I/O starter question

I've used OMC/BRP and Arco Marine starters,but never had one come with shims.What brand starter are you using?Is it a marine starter?

DHP

 

[aerwin]

Re: replacing I/O starter question

if the starter is to close to the flywheel it will not engage properly or ruin the flywheel or the starter gear, the shim is used after you install the starter and bump it and if it does'nt sound right or it hits the flywheel then the shim is needed. a pain in the butt to shim properly in a boat

 

[Lou C]

Re: replacing I/O starter question

DHP it is a marine starter, made by Marine Electrical Suppliers, Inc. in Pa.
I haven't removed the old starter yet, but I don't think it had a shim in there.
So basically the shims allow you to vary the distance between the flywheel and starter gear.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: replacing I/O starter question

I understand the shimming process,just saying we don't do it on the brands we use.

I think MES is the supplier we had some trouble with.If there is a pink or purple wire on one of the small terminals on your starter,make sure you read a full 12 volts there when cranking.If not you may not have enough voltage at your coil for starting.

DHP

 

[Silvertip]

Re: replacing I/O starter question

The first time you crank the engine after installing the starter you will know whether or not you need the shim. The noise is the clue -- and a loud one at that. You only need to loosen the inboard bolt and remove the outboard bolt to slip in the shim as the inboard end is slotted. If you are installing a brand new (not rebuilt) starter, chances are the shim won't be needed. Rebuilt starter castings tend to get worn down slightly which closes the pinion-to-flywheel clearance thus causing the noise.