Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

[ThndrSki]

Hello all,

Brand new to the forum but I just wanted to share some experiences I just had with starter shims on my 1996 Baja.

I purchased the boat 3 months ago and after a few outings the starter would just spin, etc. It all check out ok but just to be sure, I purchased a brand new, OEM Mercuriser/Quicksilver starter.

Turns out the old starter and the new starter were having the same issues... Fitment issues agains the ring gear. IT WAS WAAAAAY to tight. Starter was binding and would not engage after it was used a while due to heat expansion of the ring gear.

The new starter was fully meshing the teeth and binding. (Using the modeling clay tests). Inserted a .06 shim and it works perfectly.

The reason I am posting this is because there were so many "Marine Mechanics" saying that you never shim a Mercruiser; well I'm here to tell you that is false. Factory Service Manual even mentions them.....

Just an FYI to people as they might damage the ring gear or if you're going through starters, this is something to check. GM motors are notorious for requiring to shim a starter.

 

[jgoeden]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Just good searched "mercruiser starter binding" and found this thread. And what do you know, it's recent!

My starter was rebuilt because of binding and started fine on ears at the house, then started fine at the lake the first few times. Then started binding up. Got a tow home and was considering driving my boat off a cliff! Anyways a buddy mentioned shimming the starter and I've never heard of it. And now you've confirmed that it can be done!

Thanks so much for posting this, I feel like you wrote it specifically for me (a guy who nearly wants to quit boating!)

 

[scutly]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

every starter i ever bought came with shims. car or boat. i got a half dozen in my toolbox junk draw.

 

[mkast]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Factory Service Manual even mentions them

shimming the starter and I've never heard of it.

Amazing what you can find in the maintenance manual!

 

[ThndrSki]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Amazing what you can find in the maintenance manual!

Yeah, I'm starting to really disagree with some of the "wisdom" you find on forums... You really have to be careful and consider the source. Even so called Marine Mechanics.... I ran the boat ALL weekend and not one problem. Starter probably had upwards of 80 starts from stop and go and skiing with my family.

 

[ThndrSki]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Just good searched "mercruiser starter binding" and found this thread. And what do you know, it's recent!

My starter was rebuilt because of binding and started fine on ears at the house, then started fine at the lake the first few times. Then started binding up. Got a tow home and was considering driving my boat off a cliff! Anyways a buddy mentioned shimming the starter and I've never heard of it. And now you've confirmed that it can be done!

Thanks so much for posting this, I feel like you wrote it specifically for me (a guy who nearly wants to quit boating!)

Glad to help.... Don't get frustrated. Spend some time with your FSM and trust it. Check the basics first....

 

[Colliemcc]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

hi
did you just shim one side of the starter or both.

 

[mkast]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

did you just shim one side of the starter or both.

Look at the picture of the shim in post #3, does it look like two bolts are used on that shim?

 

[ThndrSki]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

hi
did you just shim one side of the starter or both.

I used both. It depends on what kind of shim condition you need. I've read a great site as well that explains it in detail. Basically, the starter can be too close (binding, etc) or it can be too far away (slipping, chewing/wearing teeth, etc).

Here's the link, hats off to the owner of this site!

http://www.marinemechanic.com/site/page169.html

 

[ThndrSki]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Look at the picture of the shim in post #3, does it look like two bolts are used on that shim?

Yes, that shim can be used for both, or cut in half to bring the starter closer to the flywheel if you have a condition where the starter/ring gear is too far away.

 

[the cheap boater]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Hi I was hoping you can shim any motor I have a OMC 2.3 (ford) 1987 and I think my starter is missing the flywheel. the starter I installed
new last aug. an only used it 4 or 5 time. So when I went to start her this spring the starter just spins and will not engage the flywheel even after turning the engine. solaned is fine. Have

 

[ThndrSki]

Re: Starter Shims - Mercruiser 5.7 Liter GM 350

Hi I was hoping you can shim any motor I have a OMC 2.3 (ford) 1987 and I think my starter is missing the flywheel. the starter I installed
new last aug. an only used it 4 or 5 time. So when I went to start her this spring the starter just spins and will not engage the flywheel even after turning the engine. solaned is fine. Have

Start with the FSM, then I would try posting in the OMC forum.... I'm not familiar with OMC's but who knows.... You can always check the ring gear and starter teeth to give you a good idea of what is happening as well.