Starter shim

[SHOoff]

I've got a problem. I've probably put 5000 miles on my car and changed the starter 4 times now.

On a 3400, should there be any sort of shim for the starter? And if so, anyone happen to have a PN or have one laying around?

[86FieroSEv6]

I have not seen nor had to shim the starter on the 3400's that I have repaired. What brand of starter are you using? Is it some cheapo generic type of unit made to fit more than one 60 degree app.? Are you running a mismatched flywheel/eng/trans combo? What exactly is happening to the starter? Have you confirmed proper battery, cables, grounds, etc.?

[SHOoff]

The starter that came with the engine died. 2 from a yard off of other 3400's died, and now the one I got lifetime warranty from AutoZone did the same thing (at least the new one was free).

Every time it dies it's like the solenoid goes bad. It will kick in and grab the flywheel just for a split second and then let go. You can hear the starter still spinning free. Also behind the gear i've seen a little what looks like some sort of grease when the starter goes bad. About the same color as antisieze is.

I've looked into heat, but I don't know what to think because the heat shields are still on the exhaust manifold, and the engine doesn't overheat when running.

The Engine is a 3400 from a 99 Grand Am.
The trans, flywheel, clutch are from the 97 Cavalier 2.2.It doesn't sound the same as other 3400's when I start it either. I dunno how to describe it, sound

[86FieroSEv6]

Now, check to see if the flywheel is the same part number between the two applications. If not, you will need to adapt the 3400 flywheel to work with your cav' trans setup. I know for a fact that the 2.2 and 3400 use different starters so flywheel application becomes crucial in a swap situation.

[SHOoff]

The 2.2 and the 3400 use the same starter. In 01 The 2.2 (2200) went to the same starter as the 3400.

The 3400 does not have a flywheel from the factory since always being on an automatic. So you have to use a 3.1 flywheel, which is the same as the 2.2 flywheel.

[86FieroSEv6]

You need to check drive gear engagement into the flywheel teeth. It may be that the flywheel fit on the crankshaft, but was the plunge depth into the bellhousing the same as on the 2.2??? If the depth is insufficient, the starter drive could bounce out of the ring gear and freespin as the solenoid contacts would still be bridged. If this is the case, then the flywheel will have to be shimmed out. You will be limited in the amount of shim you can use so hopefully this is not your problem, but it kinda points that way.

[Superdave]

You can pick up a pack of shims in the help section at Autozone. I've seen them need to be shimmed on 3x00's before, not a big deal at all.

[geoffinbc]

I think it depends on the starter. I have seen some that say "Do not use shims" cast right into the starter and others don't.

[Superdave]

I think it depends on the starter. I have seen some that say "Do not use shims" cast right into the starter and others don't.

Yep, the stock GM ones usually don't need them. aftermarket replacements seem to.