reccently my starter died, and I replaced it, it runs and the engine (2.5L) till crank and turn over, however, it makes a disturbing noise when initially cranking. sounds almost like a motorcycle with an electric start. I didnt install any shims for the starter, as there werent any on the old starter...should I add shims? how many? or is there another problem?

Never assume the starter you removed was shimmed correctly. Even if it was there is some variation between starters.

The info to shim a starter is now in the electrical section of my cave with the rest of the starting and charging info.

------------------
Be alert. The world need more lerts...

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

how can you check the clearence if you cant easily remove the bellhousing??

if it makes a SCREEECH or ZING noise, then it's too far away from the flywheel. if it stays engaged then it's too close.

it's kinda a learned thing

I think it may be easier in the automatic than the manual transmissions but it works the same way.

I can't remember off hand how the manual dust shield is set up. It's been a long time since I've seen one. I thougt they had a dust shield that was removable. Even if it won't come out completely you should be able to get enough clearance to see up in there.

The shield on the automatics is easy to remove. You have to remove it to change the starter anyway.

I simplified the drawing but you can do it from below... It's just awkward. If you can't do it with a drill bit then any 1/8-inch wire that will reach will work. You can bend the wire if needed.

You can do it thru trial and error but there is a risk of breaking the starter or worse the flywheel. You don't want to make a big change but a small one is usually safe.

You could try adding one shim but I don't think I'd do more without using the gauge, especially since you've not done many starters.

Most of the time you change shimming, it's a small change. Usually One whole shim in or out. I wouldn't mess with half shims unless you can gauge the setup.

They are hardly ever perfect but the closer you can get to specification the better for the starter and the flywheel.