if i turn the key and all i hear is click- click- click real fast, is that mean i need a new starter?
Generally, you need a new one when the old one doesn't work properly. Oftentimes, a starter current draw test can be used to check for a bad starter.
When the starter motor refuses to turn over or grinds and clicks when turning then you need a new motor or recondition the old one.
When it fails. There is no set time to replace a starter.
You need a new starter
There is no battery in the starter.
You need a new starter
No they do not require you mess with them when new.
We need more info. Need to know the symptoms. Need to know what it does and does not do.
If it's the ignition your vehicles motor will not turn over at all. If it does turn over it's either one of three things: battery, alternator, or starter. You can take your starter, battery and alternator to a local advance auto parts and they will test the charge for you. That will tell you what you need to know.
Need to know why you think the starter needs to be shimed.
Changing a starter in a 1985 Pontiac Sunbird is not very difficult. The car will first need to be jacked up. After the car is jacked up, locate the starter. The wires will need to be taken off the starter and labeled so they can be reattached to the new starter. The starter is then taken down by using a ratchet to take of the bolts. After the starter is taken off, the new one can be put on.
If it won't start!