88 Buick LeSabre Starter Replacement

I am new to this forum and have a question on replacing the starter in my Buick 1988 3.8 L . In the spring of this year I changed the starter and apparently the shims were not correct even though I used the original shims that came off the old starter and it has started okay for the past 8 months. I had to just remove the starter after it would not start and I determined the starter was bad but this time it was because the bell housing was cracked. Auto Z just replaced it no questions asked and I do not want to repeat this in another 8 months so here is the question. I know improper shimming could cause the bell housing to crack even though I have never had one do that before. The replacement starter comes with a test rod to get the spacing correct but they say to remove the flywheel cover. I am not aware of a flywheel cover on this engine is there one? In light of no cover do you need to rely on sound to determine if the spacing is correct or what do you suggest.

why would u even want to save this vehicle. these were the poor man's cadillac for every senior citizen in the 1980's. :rofl:

Why in the heck would you make such a statement. If you can't provide constructive help, then keep your irrelevant opinion to yourself.

Isn't the flywheel cover the tin sort of cover on the bottom 1/3 of the flywheel? A few 10 mm bolts and it should come off.

My old 85 Century isn't worth anything but I cant bear to part with it and it runs and looks good.

Isn't the flywheel cover the tin sort of cover on the bottom 1/3 of the flywheel? A few 10 mm bolts and it should come off.

My old 85 Century isn't worth anything but I cant bear to part with it and it runs and looks good.

Someone else told me there is a cover but the vehicle is out in the snow at the moment and can not get it in a garage to look further. I did not see a cover when I removed the old starter but will have to look further. Too bad I can not put it on a lift but not paying someone to tow it.

I hear you on the getting rid of the old girl. Other than the starter it runs great but does not look great (has the GM primer issue) like other GM in that age group. A guy stopped by the other day before I discovered the starter problem and asked if I wanted to sell it. I did not even ask how much he wanted to pay just said no still use it. With the economy I may need to live it since it is paid for.:lol2:

Thanks for the input.

I think the quickest way to get this car running is to just replace the starter on warranty from Auto Zone and put the shims back in the way they were originally. I know its a hassle to keep changing it but you need to run this car not let it sit.

I think the quickest way to get this car running is to just replace the starter on warranty from Auto Zone and put the shims back in the way they were originally. I know its a hassle to keep changing it but you need to run this car not let it sit.

I put the replacement starter back in it yesterday (picked a day when it was not snowing). I put the original shim back in that came out of the old one. Started right up and I could not hear any strange noises from the starter so maybe it will be fine time will tell.

Interesting I located the spot that the flywheel cover was (not there any longer) and it is no where near the starter pinion gear so that would not be of any use in gauging the starter anyway at least on this engine.

Thanks again for the support