How can you tell if a starter is good?

[ichthos]

Is there a way to check a starter to see if it is good? Is it as simple as just hooking up jumper cables? Thanks, Kevin

 

[jlaird]

Ahhh, the engine runs after use. Sorry.

Take it to a parts store and have it tested,

 

[jvandyke]

Is there a way to check a starter to see if it is good? Is it as simple as just hooking up jumper cables? Thanks, Kevin

I did. Both through the solenoid to make sure that's engaging and if not, direct to starter lugs to make sure it spins. Easy to take apart, clean up, check brushes, renew if worn, reassemble and voil'a you've got a rebuilt starter, for the price of brushes (if needed) or free if not. I pulled my Fiat starter and did just this, went from inop to working fine all summer for free. Parts places will check for free if feel like hauling it down there. If the commuter is shot well, then it's done but that's rare I believe.

 

[spritenut]

When you hook up jumpers to a starter, hook up 1 to the brass terminal and use the other lead on the starter ear (ground) as to not arc or melt the hot terminal.
And be warned it will jump (if it works) when you hook power to it so hold it tight.

 

[MikeP]

Also look at the condition of the drive gear, I've seen them where the teeth are badly worn and that can be hard on the ring gear.

 

[ichthos]

I actually had two concerns. I wanted to know if the starter actually worked to begin with, which I found it did. Secondly, I had to replace the ring gear because it was badly chewed, and was concerned as to why. The starter teeth look fine, so I am not sure what the issue was. It could have been chewed up and the PO put in another starter after the fact.I guess I will find out when I start it up. Thanks for the help.
Kevin

 

[MikeP]

Sounds like the case. When it stops working the first thing many folks do is throw a new started at it. I'd bet that if you were to see it the PO had a starter with chewed up teeth on it that came out of the car.