Fixing slow / non running electric starters

[samo_ott]

I have acquired a few starters that either do not turn at all or turn slowly when given a good 12v. These are mostly on the 18 hp engines. I have not taken any apart yet but was wondering if anyone had done this before and are they fixable? Do they need new brushes? (and if so are they still available?) Can one sand down the armature inside, etc... Any ideas? thanks...

 

[karlow1]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

Yep, I had one starter that turned slow. The brushes were completely gone.
Don't just sit there, take it apart

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

Can you get new ones at the dealer? Are they expensive?

 

[SKEETR]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

I'd bet a brush kit for that starter won't cost over thirty bucks. Not sure about availability without a year to go by but I bet they still have em. You will need to notch a thin stiff piece if metal or plastic around the shaft to keep the brushes in place upon reassembly. Other than that as long as the bushings are good there is not much to it.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

Yea, getting your starter rebuilt at an Auto Electric place will do you justice. You'll be glad you did.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

be sure not to loose the springs, when you open it. sometimes it brushes, armature burnt.

 

[crb478]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

If the armatures are all intact and not burt or broken then they can probably be rebuilt with out having to speend too much. If you have a good electric motor shop they can do it easily. Some shops you might just as well do it yourself. The Brushes are fairly universal so you should be able to pick up suitable replacements. I have a friend who chucks the armatures in a lathe and takes just an edge off the contacts cleaning them up and then puts in new brushes. This fixes about 90 percent of the motors he gets.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

ok, time to open the latest one up then thanks...

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

friend of mine rebuilds them and he says not to use sandpaper on the armatures. He uses the green scratch pads used to clean the dishes. I have always used emory cloth , but it's important to not get a flat spot on them. Like it's been said most of the shops can rebuild them real cheap.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

good tip... thanks...

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Fixing slow / non running electric starters

OMG was that easy. I highly encourage anyone to do it themselves. It only took about 15 minutes to do. I took it apart and sanded and cleaned everything up (yes, I used sand paper) put it back together and it ran great! It was so easy I did a second one also and it worked great also. I have a few others now that I can clean when I need em.