starter grind?

[birdacre]

my starter spins fine on bench, when installed makes a hammer noise when engaging. maybe too much end play in shaft, moves aobut3/16 inch. i put on new bendix, do they ever need to be shimmed out, how much play is normal. any idea?

[KimVanOrder]

I don't know of any specific amount. Just try one washer thickness then two, etc. until you get what you want. Then you have two choices, Either shim the Bendix that amount or the entire starter. Hold it!!!! Shimming the starter out , pulls the Bendix into the ring gear. You need to go the other way! Bendix is too close to the starter motor. You need to get that to move farther away from starter motor. So when it pulls in, it will not engage too much.. Grinding into Ring Gear...

Do I have that correct?? ( now i have to go out in the barn and look it over). It's cold out there!!