Do I have to install an additional shim on my 95 Intrepid to stop the engine sounds.

1995 DODGE INTREPID
62,553 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SOLARFINDER
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I just installed a starter on a 1995 dodge intrepid, and though the starter works, it sounds like the pinion isn't releasing all the way. Can you verify for me if I need an additional shim or could I have placed the metal shim that came with the car backwards (if that's even possible).

Oh, the sound revs up and down with the rpms. I haven't ran the engine long, as I was afraid that I would be messing up the fly wheel.

Please advise.

Thanks.
Feb 25, 2011 at 7:13 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Chrysler starters don't use shims. That's strictly a GM thing. Check for a part of the metal inspection plate that got bent and is hitting the flex plate.
Feb 25, 2011 at 11:34 AM
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SOLARFINDER
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When you talk about the flex plate, is that part of the starter? I had the metal plate that looks like a shim, however, I didn't have any other plate.

Would you mind clarifying for me? Again, thanks for the response!
Feb 28, 2011 at 9:14 AM
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CARADIODOC
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The flex plate is the large wheel bolted to the engine's crankshaft. It has the teeth around the outside that the starter drive gear meshes with. The inspection cover or plate is the stamped piece of sheet metal that is in front of the transmission covering the flex plate. It is held on with a couple of small bolts but to remove it the starter also has to be removed because it goes through a large hole in it.

Sometimes a small area of that plate gets bent and can hit the flex plate. The noise can be horrendous but it doesn't really cause serious or permanent damage. After removing the starter, look for any shiny spots on the flex plate and feel around the starter opening. It's not always easy to see where it is hitting.
Feb 28, 2011 at 9:42 AM
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