Am i calibrating this starter right?

[meatbag]

Hey all, I swapped a motorhome 454 with my sbc 400. I've used the calibration rod that came with said starter, also used a 1/8th Allen . It seems to turn good, then at times does a clunk and stops. Batteries are full power, 2 batteries in underhood. I'm including pics of the tool between bendix rod and flywheel/flexplate. I've always calibrated my starters this way, so am I doing something wrong? I ordered a rear starter bracket, going to install that, see if it helps. The flywheel and starter are brand new, bought em together from a knowledgeable guy at my local napa. I'm also going to replace my old starter/ignition solenoid switch. Also I put about 7 halfy shims on the outboard side to bring the starter closer, never ever have I had to do that lol. I've also tried taking some shims out to space it less, thinking maybe it needs more clearance, nope. Anyway advice or anyone run into this issue and fix it?

 

[Rusty Nail]

Did you whack on it with a hammer any? I heard you can fix starters that way sometimes.

 

[KnuckleBuster]

Never heard it called "calibration" before, but it looks like you're trying to adjust the pinion-to-flywheel clearance. Do NOT measure the distance between the armature shaft and the flywheel. You'll end up way too tight. See the attached picture. A point of interest: In nearly 30 years at GM dealers I don't remember ever having to shim a factory starter to a factory flywheel / flexplate. Though it may have happened at some point, it was rare. A good argument for using OE parts. Good luck to ya!

 

[meatbag]

Okay I'll check that clearance too. I'd whack it with a hammer, but it happens often unless the truck starts in the 1st 5 seconds. Which it usually does, but it's also my snow plow truck. So trying to eliminate any issues, wrenching in snow sucks

 

[meatbag]

1st time I installed the starter without shims, the pinion was glancing the outside of the flywheel, barely touching. So yeah I was like wtf

 

[Donald]

Knckle Buster hit it on the nose , I always used a paperclip to check my starter gear cleanance .

 

[meatbag]

Okay I'll do that, use some tie wire to pull the pinion gear up and paperclip it. Thanks alot fellas