delco starter rebuild for my 400

[SDE]

Many years ago Al Watts rebuilt a starter for me. He mention taking a shim out when he put it back together. I have ordered a rebuild kit for another 400. Is there an amount of desired free play to be measured during re-assembly?
TY
SDE

 

[caterpillar guy]

I have no spec for that but always felt they needed to be just enough end play to turn freely minus the brush drag when turning. This would be for any starter not just the 400.

 

[SDE]

I have no spec for that but always felt they needed to be just enough end play to turn freely minus the brush drag when turning. This would be for any starter not just the 400.

Thank you.

 

[560Dennis]

why did he take that shim out ?

 

[used red MN]

In my opinion it’s not critical, get it down near a 1/16” or less will be fine as long as it is not pushing the commutator out from under the brushes. I have seen them operate fine with well over an 1/8” of end play.