Starter Rebuild ?

[saltymike]

Hey guys. First post, great site with lots of information. I've been reading it for a while. I have a 1988 85hsp force, just put a new(to me) starter on it since the old one crapped out on me. I want to try to rebuild the old one. Can someone point me in the direction of a step-by-step process for this? I did not find a thread on this and do not own a manual so I'm not sure if the manual contains any info on rebuilding of the starter. Also, does anyone know where to download a force manual? I had a Yammy on the jon boat and I know their website offers free manual downloads which was a huge help in maintenance. Thanks!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Starter Rebuild ?

Force starters are not the greatest to begin with. You can take it apart and clean it and put it back together. The biggest trick is to hold the brushes in place with something like fishing line then cut the line and remove it when you get the cover partially back on. No free manuals for that motor online. If the starter is decent shape there might be a rebuild kit still available from Mercury.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Starter Rebuild ?

Well, your rebuilding will be limited to replacing a bendix assembly and replacing brushes. You can also clean the commutator, re-oil the bushings or replace them, but, that's it.

If there is a short in the armature, if the commutator is missing segments, if the windings have melted insulation, if it has started to throw-off solder, or if the field magnets have broken, there is not much you can do there.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Starter Rebuild ?

Here is what the insides look like. Merc still sells the brush kit for this for $28

 

[saltymike]

Re: Starter Rebuild ?

Thanks for the input guys. That is exactly what I was looking for eurolarva! This will be a huge help. I always cringe when people ask what kind of engine I have, but to be quite honest, being that the motor is 21 years old and the only part I've had to replace is the starter, plus its been in saltwater twice is not so bad.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Starter Rebuild ?

Make sure you are flushing with fresh water after each saltwater use.