Starter Motor: Adjustments

There is no provision for adjusting pinion clearance on this type motor, but it should be checked after motor reassembly on all models except the 28 MT, which is not serviceable. When the shift lever mechanism is correctly assembled, the pinion clearance should fall within the limits of .010 to .140 inch on 1987 models and .010-.160 inch on 1988-91 models. When the clearance is not within these limits, it may indicate excessive wear of the solenoid linkage or shift lever yoke buttons.

Fig. 13 Connections For Checking Pinion Clearance:

Fig. 14 Checking Pinion Clearance:

Pinion clearance should be checked as follows:
1. Disconnect motor field coil connector from solenoid motor terminal, then insulate end carefully.
2. Connect one battery lead to solenoid switch terminal, then the other lead to the solenoid frame.
3. Using a jumper lead connected to the solenoid motor terminal. Momentarily flash the lead to the solenoid frame. This will shift the pinion into the cranking position until the battery is disconnected.
4. Push the pinion back toward the commutator end as far as possible to take up any slack movement, then check the clearance with feeler gauge.