The clearance spec is how deep the flexplate tooth extends into the starter motor pinion. The minimum amount really should be 0.040 inch. If your clearance is too limited, a shim will increase this clearance. As you mentioned, a shim didn't enable so we will believe the clearance is extreme—which https://ltd57913.blue-blogs.com/42736709/the-fact-about-engine-starter-that-no-one-is-suggesting