Newer 660 small starters

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[Robby1870]

So my starter in my STE died yesterday and I bought a new one for an '02 Malibu and installed it last night.  Now, I realize a new starter usually seems (or is) louder than the old one.  This one is loud so far, but I've been getting some rough starts, I guess rough is the best way to describe it.  After starting engine idles smoothly though.  The old starter had shims on it so I put those back on with this new, bolts are tight.  So far, it has always started, but something just doesn't seem right.  Any ideas?

[Jay]

I believe those are gear driven as opposed to the old style. SO, naturally they will be slightly louder. However, you could try taking shims out one at a time and see what happens.

[Robby1870]

I believe those are gear driven as opposed to the old style. SO, naturally they will be slightly louder. However, you could try taking shims out one at a time and see what happens.

Yeah, I don't mind the noise, but the rough starts I do mind.  The shims are the only thing I could think off; there's only two on it.  There's really no easy way to check alignment is there?

[Jay]

Other than taking one shim out at a time....Not really...It does sound like your starter is shimmed too far out.

[pat]

put something on the gear - paint preferably,  and crank it to show meshing pattern of starter gear with flexplate teeth.  this will show if you're too close, too far.

[Robby1870]

put something on the gear - paint preferably,  and crank it to show meshing pattern of starter gear with flexplate teeth.  this will show if you're too close, too far.

A very good idea.  

Here's the deal with the shims since I just remembered this.  When I took the old starter off, one shim fell down.  While trying to position the new starter and get the shim and bolts and holes to lineup, I stopped for a second and sat the starter on the subframe.  When I did this, the bolts fell down (of course) as well as the shim.  But when I picked the shim up, it had suddenly turned into the two shims mentioned above.  Either the one shim was two shims stuck together or the magical second shim was stuck somewhere on the subframe or somewhere and I knocked it loose.  This weekend I'll take the thinner of the two shims off and see how it goes.  I'm taking a half day tomorrow and heading home to watch my brother graduate.  So, the car has to start 3 more times like this before I get home and get it straight there.

[3100MPFI]

I used one of the smaller starters (high torque) in my gold car when it went out.  I found the best setup was with NO SHIMS, but each engine is different.

I have to replace the starter in my STE, and I know I have a starter in my shed.  Not sure if it is the normal one, or the high torque one, but either way, it will work.

[Robby1870]

I used one of the smaller starters (high torque) in my gold car when it went out.  I found the best setup was with NO SHIMS, but each engine is different.

I have to replace the starter in my STE, and I know I have a starter in my shed.  Not sure if it is the normal one, or the high torque one, but either way, it will work.

You're the second person that has said no shims with the newer starter.  I guess I'll try that first.

[Robby1870]

Took out both shims today, started up normally, no clunking, no excessive noise.

So, I guess I'm the third person to say if you go with the newer starter use no shims.  

Thanks for the help guys.

[3100MPFI]

Any time.  This is what I live for.