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That won't work on a V8 starter, as the solenoid on those models pulls the bendix out into the flywheel.

Quote: I would hope it was an experienced rebuilder who has checked & adjusted the solenoid linkage & clearances so the bendix gear isn't slamming & trying to mesh too far into the flywheel.

That's a good idea. I've also seen people leave the small washer off the front of the starter drive shaft, which prevents that from occurring.

Was the (broken) starter properly shimmed? I know of some signifiacnt mechanical failures resulting from shade tree guys leaving those out. The manual usually gives a clearance value desired, you manually engage the Bendix and insert a gauge rod between the teeth to determine the clearance.

I've never had any problems with a V8 starter and have always checked the clearences stated in the shop manual. There is no mention of shims of any kind. I don't understand how you could manually extend the Bendix and insert anything between the teeth??

And I have never seen any starter that required shims other than Chevys.

Well I am not sure about any of that. I got a call the morning that the car was ready, but there was no reverse.

I found that to be odd since it had reverse when it went into the shop. I figured o.k. another gremlin pops up. I get to the shop and start it up and pop it into reverse and sure enough it backs up. The mechanic is a ford/chevy guy and he thought the first spot on the gear shift after park was reverse. He was totally unknowledgable that reverse was all the down to the right and never thought to look at the indicator. So now the car is at another shop that is familiar with Packards and he will time it properly. It will be home soon.

<p>Turbopacman (Eric) wrote:</p>
Quote:
<p>Pontiacs do. However, it is harder to shim the pre-1965 ones that bolt into the bell housing like the Packards as opposed to the 1965+ which bolt to the block.</p>

<p>I had to do a fair amount of modifying and shimming on my 1963 Tempest to get the starter to engage properly. I also had to have the Bendix AND flywheel rebuilt since both were partly broken due to one or the other failing. Eventually, everything worked properly, but it was a PITA. Not something for the weak of heart or light of pocket book.</p>
<p>Craig</p>

Yeah, but who in their right mind works on Pontiacs?

Now Now Now.......

Let's not get devisive about brand loyalty. There are worse things than owning a 57 F.I. Bonneville convertible or a GTO Judge. The starter and fuel pump are all working properly and hopefully after the timing is checked out and set it will run fine and I can get down to the reassembly process.