Chevrolet Repair: chevy van starting problems, chevy van, shims

Question
Hi-  I have been having issues with a 1976 chevy van 20 I have been restoring. It is a 350 4bl carb. After replacing the carb,thermo,head, fuel sys,alt, and every other component, I still get a hang up now and then when it starts.  It also makes a nasty clank like the flywheel is catching.  I have been through 3 starters now to get the right one and i just replaced the flywheel due to damaged teeth in oem part.  It started fine 5 or 6 times but now binds up every now and then.  I do have 1 shim in the starter.  Any ideas how to get rid of bind??  I appreciate your time and response.  

Answer
Hi Darin,

I would say, due to the damaged teeth, clanking, and the binding, that you need more shims.  I have seen as many as 3 on a GM starter.  Sometimes, you need more or less than you had with an old starter. So if you took out only one, you may need two or more when you put the new one in.  

Also make sure the starter you are using has the correct nose length.  If you are using a starter with a shorter nose than you require, it may cause these symptoms.  You said you have gone through 3 new ones.  Is it possible that the original starter was replaced with the wrong one?  If so, now when you compare, you are comparing wrong to wrong.  

I hope this helps.

C J S