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Starter motor - internal inspection

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bigjones

bigjones

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Well it's raining here so the Clunk..Clunk drama will have to wait.

Meantimes, I've disassembled the original starter motor that Adv Auto deemed bad.
Starter4.jpg

Starter3.jpg

Starter1.jpg

The 2 dull looking brushes measure 0.366 and 0.311. The two shiny ones (one is not quite visible) measure 0.435 and 0.436".
I'm thinking it's worth getting a new set of brushes.

The teeth on the barrel look a bit mangled - is that acceptable?
I can get a rebuilt starter for $50 from AA but who is know if they are any good. (I once got a rebuilt alternator for my Toyota from AA and it was DOA)
 
But... does the Advance starter have a lifetime warranty? If so, it will be $50 well spent. The brushes aren't too expensive but there is also shipping and your time.

Some wear on the Bendix teeth is OK and to be expected. I'm not sure how far gone they can be before there is a problem.
 
Pepe boys is lifetime. I've got one for $55. Like Doug said, well worth the $$$. I believe advance should be a lifer.
 
Advance is a lifer. Do it.

Teeth look fine.

Have the comutator turned if you are going to put new brushes in it. Any electrical shop can do.
 
Doug,

Thanks for the post.

Yeah, limited lifetime warranty.

The rain let up a bit so I went outside and I'm half way through removing the starter - then it started thundering.

The plan is to make a good starter out of the two of them. Then again, like you say, why mess around - I may just get the rebuilt from AA.

Anyways, I was planning on setting up the starter in a vice, connecting up my battery charger, connecting battery charger to an outlet with a switch. I'm thinking this will prevent sparks flying. Then turn the switch on. Let me know if you think this is dangerous.

I should see the spindle(?) being pulled inward and turning, right? I should have watched while they were testing them at AA but they were getting irritated with me looking over their shoulders.

Then again, maybe I'll make a good starter out of the two of them and take them both back to AA and let them do it. Maybe a different AA store. Ha!


Jack, thanks for the notes, especialy that bit about the commutator.
 
That is no way to test a starter, it needs to be under load.

Get the new rebuilt one. It will last your life time.
 
I would like to give you an opinion on your starter. If you look at the armature your commutator is bad, new brushes are needed and bushings. The original field coils are made from aluminum and it is very hard to reattach new posiive brushes, the teeth on your pinion are worn. You will need a refurbish starter that will have installed new field coils, new armature, new brushes, bushing and new pinion. At the prices you are being qouted I strongly doubt you will get a quality unit.
If are looking for a starter that will have all these new components we can help you.

Best regards,
Mike
Star Auto Electric Company
www.starautoelectric.com
 

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Mike,

Thanks for the post.

It's a done deal though. I ordered from AA last night. I hear you on the rebuilt quality issue - that's why I first tried the starter from my other Midget.

Incidentally, using the search function for "Midget" on your web site only resulted in one hit and that was for a generator.

Cheers
 
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