Can I rebuild my starter?

[DirtyOldBoat]

I'm working on a 1973 Mercury 1500 that has been out in the weather uncovered for a few years. I got a battery hooked up so I could try out the starter, and it turns over really slow. The engine spins free, so there is something wrong with my starter. Is it possible for me to rebuild this starer? Maybe new brushes and bearings?

I suppose used starters aren't very expensive on ebay, but I don't really want to end up with somebody else's old used up parts either.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

I'd check on replacement parts first. I have done cars, trucks, and tractors. Would assume OB engines are no different. One thing however is that the case of the starter is made out of some material that cannot withstand impact; unlike the cast iron of the former. So be careful.

Mark

 

[JB]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

Before you blame the starter try jumping a fresh battery (both + and -) to the starter. If it is still slow then you can overhaul it with new bearings and brushes (turn the armature, too). You can also get it overhauled at an auto starter shop for under a "C" note.

Much more common than starter failures are corrosion in the cables and connectors and internal corrosion of the solenoid. Much, much less trouble and expense than the starter.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

If it spins slowly, you may have a problem in the windings.
In which case you will need an electrical shop to rebuild the starter.

Don't buy a used starter, have yours rebuilt.
Or better yet, just get a Brand New one($94), often times less expensive than rebuilding.

But first, be sure the problem is really the starter.
What is the voltage on the battery posts and the starter post while you are cranking? (Two separate measurements.)
Measure on the actual posts and not the connector hardware!

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

Before you blame the starter try jumping a fresh battery (both + and -) to the starter.

That's exactly what I did. I'm going to have to replace all my wires and cables, I can only hear the solenoid click if it's hooked up the normal way. I've got a brand new marine battery.

Don't buy a used starter, have yours rebuilt.
Or better yet, just get a Brand New one($94), often times less expensive than rebuilding.

Wow! That is WAY cheaper than I thought. New starters were over $300 on another site I was looking at. That would sure be nice and reliable.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

DOB, It is hard to tell on that motor, but aftermarket starters for that motor should be avail from ARCO and others. You can likely get replacement brush holders and brushes for your starter. if aftermarket starters are not avail, you should take it to a shop and see what tehy want to rebuild it.

I know aftermarket starters for later IL6s are widely avail. The older merc starters were a bit different.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

+1 for the brushes going bad. I rebuilt my starter a few years ago and all went well for me. It is a relatively easy fix. I even made the special tool to help re-assemble it....I bought a plastic 4 inch putty knife and cut a one-inch section from the middle to the, and used that to hold the brushes in place while I slid the cover back on. Worked like a charm. Of course I got that idea from this wonderful forum!

 

[quicktach]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

What's your cranking voltage ? Starters can be rebuilt. You could possibly do it or take it to a shop that does the job. Check your wiring, connections, and ground. Is the starter shaft/gear binding ? Starter circuit wiring from key OK ?

 

[JB]

Re: Can I rebuild my starter?

That's exactly what I did. I'm going to have to replace all my wires and cables, I can only hear the solenoid click if it's hooked up the normal way. I've got a brand new marine battery.

Some folks didn't read this before telling you how to fix a bad starter. Replace the cables, then tell us what happened.