Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBUICK1989SKYHAWK BASE, 2D COUPE, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ELECTRICALSTARTERSTARTER - DELCO-REMYBENCH TESTINGPINION CLEARANCE CHECK
1989 Buick Skyhawk Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic
Pinion Clearance Check
1989 Buick Skyhawk Base, 2D Coupe, AutomaticSECTION Pinion Clearance Check
- Disconnect motor field coil at solenoid terminal "M" and insulate field connector. Connect 12-volts to solenoid terminal "S". Touch jumper lead from solenoid terminal "M" to starter frame, shifting pinion into cranking position.
- Push pinion away from stop retainer as far as possible. Using feeler gauge, ensure .010-.140" (.25-3.6 mm) clearance between pinion and retainer. See Fig 1.
NOTE:
Pinion clearance is not adjustable. If clearance is not within specification, motor must be disassembled and rechecked.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.