The starter went out and so I ordered a new high torque starter from CP. It came with shims that go between the block and where the starter bolts up to put the proper lash on the gears. They say use a wire guage to measure the space between the gears when engaged. How do you get anywhere near these gears to measure them? Is there any other way to decide if you need the shims? There is also another shim to adjust the starter gear's distance from the face of the flywheel when not engaged. Again, is there any way to really measure this with the engine in the boat?

Not in most boats, I am going to say not on your baja.

I have always bolted them up and addressed the issue if it happens. If it is too tight the starter will turn slow and have a high amp draw, shim away. Too loose and it will jump flywheel or make a grinding noise, shim closer.

Make sure you run the engine nice and warm on the hose and restart a few times after install. Being too far away from the gear sometimes doesn't show until everything is warm

Thanks. That is what I was looking for.

you can use pinion gear paint paint the gear on the starter gear turn over the engine remove starte check the paint for engaugement

If your old one had shims, reinstall them with the new starter, then go to post #2.

Thats what I would do....