I have a 1998 Chevy truck 4x4 and when I try to start it. It makes a weird noise like something is clanking together I turn the key off try again and then the something makes a whine (I think it’s the starter). I have to turn my belt a couple inches then it’ll start up. I have to turn my belt then turn the key off and do that multiple times before it’ll start. Sometimes it’ll do that other times it will start right up. Do I have to shim my starter or what do I have to do to make it start up every time on the first try?

 

It shouldn’t need a shim unless it’s been recently replaced.

It could be one of the mounting bolts came loose or broke, or the teeth on the starter drive gear or flywheel are stripped or damaged.

You’ll have to get under it to inspect the bolts - if they’re OK, remove the starter to inspect the teeth.

 

Your flywheel teeth are eaten up or the teeth on the starter yolk. If it's whining chances are it's the yolk on starter you don't need to replace whole starter just replace the yolk inside of it. The flywheel usually goes next . Flywheel should be shimmed to starter not starter to flywheel. Do u have the k2500 and if so is it the 7200lb model or the 8200 lb model? Big difference on original parts . The heavier k2500 has 1 ton starter and flywheel as well as other parts which makes them thicker and stronger and if you don't make sure your starter & flywheel are equal in strength one will eat the other .

 

Apparently I’m not following, but what is this supposed to mean?

Shimming the flywheel would move its position relative to engine, not the starter. While that would affect the pinion depth of the starter, it wouldn’t do anything to change gear meshing depth, and on these trucks, that’s what shimming the starter changes.

I assume you are a mad scientist, therefore I present my question and reasoning for it as a point of discussion and perhaps debate.