1983 85HP: Original starter to refurb. Are the brushes replaceable ?

[Benz Mondi]

I've never done a starter clean/refurb. I've done some searching and watched a few vid's on youtube. It's 30 years old, so I thought I might as well since I'm doing all the catch-up maintenance anyway. For my OEM starter, what do I need to keep in mind while restoring my starter? Are the brushes replaceable? If so, which ones do I order? Thanx.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1983 85HP: Original starter to refurb. Are the brushes replaceable ?

The starters were either Prestolite or Bosch. If the brushes are not worn to less than about 1/2 inch then they should not need replacing. However, if you feel that you must replace them, look for a starter repair shop near you they should have the brushes or should be able to get them for you.

Really old Prestolite starters need one set of brushes (wires) soldered in place Newer starters do not need any soldering and I think Bosch starters have all the brushes screwed into the carrier plate.

 

[hogg]

Re: 1983 85HP: Original starter to refurb. Are the brushes replaceable ?

BE CAREFULL....not to break that Brush block. It's a Fiber thing, and very expensive.

 

[Benz Mondi]

Re: 1983 85HP: Original starter to refurb. Are the brushes replaceable ?

I went ahead and took apart my starter, cleaned it and re-installed it. Works as good as before. Here are pictures of my starter. The brushes are soldered on so I'll have to have a pro add new brushes when it's time. How much more time do I have before I need to get new brushes? Thanx.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: 1983 85HP: Original starter to refurb. Are the brushes replaceable ?

Those brushes still have years to go depending how often you use your starter. You can always order the brushes now and keep them spare just to make sure you have when you need them. But personally, I won't since you are looking at least 3~5 years before those brushes even reaches their half-way length. Mind you if those are the original brushes, they are at least 30 years old and still working!

 

[Benz Mondi]

Re: 1983 85HP: Original starter to refurb. Are the brushes replaceable ?

Those brushes still have years to go depending how often you use your starter. You can always order the brushes now and keep them spare just to make sure you have when you need them. But personally, I won't since you are looking at least 3~5 years before those brushes even reaches their half-way length. Mind you if those are the original brushes, they are at least 30 years old and still working!

Excellent feedback. Yes, the starter appears to be the original based on what look like factory markings on the case. From here on in, I plan to have the boat in the water only about twice a month or so on average. Thanks.