PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Hey guys....from the factory did they shim the starters on the 3.8 V6's?

Thanks,
Matt

Nope, you should not need a shim for these.

thanks!

If you bought a starter that needs shims I would take it back... The shims would tell me that the starter drive is not cut correctly and the shims are to correct for it... I have never shimmed a starter on any 3800...lol

I have, and its very common for most gm cars. The block is never machined that well. My sunfire has one shim from factory and the 2 others that I have take 2 shims. If replacing a starter listen to it. If it slips, you need to remove a shim, if it drags after starting (more common) you need to add a shim or 2.

I have owned 7 of these 3800 motors and never had a shim on any of them. My old 350, yes. I agree with Don.

Hmmm - I've had to shim a starter on the old green monster. I guess it depends on where you get the starter from - BC

Its all about how the starter face is machined on the 3800's... I will not use a starter that has shims on a 3800... After installing dozens of starters on these engines I have never had any issues when using an AC Delco or the like quality starter..