The clearance spec is how deep the flexplate tooth extends into your starter motor pinion. The minimal needs to be 0.040 inch. If your clearance is too tight, a shim will make improvements to this clearance. As you pointed out, a shim didn't assist so We'll believe the clearance is https://jimk776ias7.actoblog.com/35963018/indicators-on-engine-starter-you-should-know