Starter, Shims? 85 Ranger

[bbbc3]

I seem to have a weird problem going on. I installed a new starter on my truck (85 Ranger 4x4) and when I started the truck you could hear a whining noise as if the starter gear was still in contact with the flywheel.
I installed a shim and that cut down the noise tremendously but I could still hear a faint whining noise. So I backed off the two bolts holding it on by 1/2 a turn (thinking I over tightened) and it solved the whinning noise. Problem is after a short drive the bolts backed themselves out enough to where the starter would not engage the flywheel. Now I've tightened it down pretty good with the slight whinning noise. After driving around town looking for another shim to add, the noise pretty much has stopped. but I don't know if that is a good thing or bad thing?

My questions:
1.) What is the best way to keep these bolts from backing themselves out from the engine/drivetrain vibration?
2.) Would you add a second shim?
3.) Is it possible that the starter could be a defect?

Thanks,
Blake

 

[hopster]

I think the starter you installed is either faulty, or just a little different than the one you removed. also if you don't have the separator plate between the engine and transmission you will have this issue.

 

[bbbc3]

It has the separator plate.

 

[hopster]

I'd say its time for a pull and compare of the starters

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Sounds like the starter drive isn't working right. Maybe you exercised it enough that it is working right now... hard to tell.

Cheapo reman or what did you get?

 

[wildbill23c]

Very common issue with replacement starters and especially common with manual transmissions it seems like. There have been a few threads regarding this problem, and seems there really isn't any fix except living with the stupid grinding noise.

 

[bbbc3]

Sounds like the starter drive isn't working right. Maybe you exercised it enough that it is working right now... hard to tell.

Cheapo reman or what did you get?

It was new from Advanced Auto. But the noise has stopped now so maybe it got exercised enough like you said.

Thanks guys for your replies.

Blake