I am almost finished with my 97 Z28 build. I wanted to turn the engine over with the starter to check the oil pressure. This is a brand new 355 bottom end, LE2 H/C topend. I disconnected the fuel pump & plug wire from the coil. I removed all the spark plugs. I used a rachet to turn the engine over by hand. Did so with no problem. I hooked up the batter which was good (12.6 volts) & tried to crank the engine over. I could hear the starter making a grinding noise like it was not engaging. I tried it a couple of times with the same result. I removed the starter took it to Advance & bought a new starter. I trickle charged the battery to ensure it was fully charged. I hooked up the new starter, connected the battery, & tried to start it up. Same DAMNED result. Its the same flywheel I had before so I don't think that is the problem. I did not remove shims from the original starter when I took the motor out so I don't know why it is doing this. I cannot see how the teeth on the starter line up with the flywheel.

What could be wrong? IF I have to shim the starter, exactly HOW do I do that. Thanks for your help as I am VERY frustrated.

 

Unfortunately with a nose cone starter, you can't check the actual clearance between starter and flywheel teeth. So you have to shim it blind and keep doing so until you get it quiet. If you shim the bolt farthest from the flywheel, it moves the starter closer to the flywheel.