Simple? Starter Question

[scooterdog]

The starter on my 1987 85 hp force was slowing down...so I decided to disassemble it, clean...and replace the brushes.. My problem is that after taking the starter apart...I can't remember which is the top..and which is the bottom of the casing. The magnets aren't centered and I need to know if the base with the brushes goes on the side where they will be closer to the magnets..or the other side where the magnets are further from the edge..Thank you!!!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Should only fit 1 way.
There should be a notch in the magnets housing that aligns with the top(or is it bottom)

 

[gm280]

IF the magnets are offset, then the brushes can only fit one way. So a little trial fit should show the way it has to go back together...

 

[Jiggz]

Technically, the brush end cap goes to the side where the stator magnets are farther away (where the magnets are closer to the end of the body of the starter is the drive end). This is to make space for the commutator, thus the armature sits a little higher hence aligning with the magnets. Next time always mark both endcaps with their mating ends with the body of the starter or motor. Using a scribe I strike two lines for the brush end cap and three lines for the drive end.