Test starter windings?

[BuzzStPoint]

1970 Chrysler 55hp.

Starter may be totally toast..

Ran the outboard WOT with the starter fully engauged for a period of time... Needless to say it didn't turn over after I got to my fishin spot. But being an old motor a rope on the flywheel plate worked well.
I tore the starter apart tonight and found 1 brush. The other was gone.. Probably all the dust that fell out.

Before I order a brush kit.
How do I test the windings of this starter motor?

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Test starter windings?

Need a "growler" to test a starter armature. If the commutator is still in good shape and not melted down, it is still probably good. Just clean it thoroughly including between the copper bars.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Test starter windings?

Well the communicator and armature "look" good.
The outside case windings, "look" good as well. Just dont know how to test them or if I can.

I'd rather spend 25 bucks on a set of brushes then 75-100 on a starter.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Test starter windings?

I'm with you on saving. I'll go ahead and gamble $25 bucks and if it doesn't work, well keep the brushes for future use or re-sell them. But you also need to find out why the starter pinion didn't disengaged after the engine started.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Test starter windings?

Ignition switch is the reason it stayed engaged. I broke the key, so I just stuck the end of the key in and turned with a screw driver. But something must be sticking inside the switch for it not to spring back to the run position.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Test starter windings?

It lives!!!
After an auto store bringing in the 4 brush kit just to compare. We found the brushes to be small.
So every auto store, and marine store around, even an electric motor repair shop, nothing could be done...
I took a nap and then it hit me...

You said the communicator could have melted. What if the solder joints melted on the brushes.
So I grabbed my soldering iron. (Don't use that.. Simply wont get hot enough)
Then I grabbed my propane torch. Soldered the brushes then to the windings tab.

Put it together and IT CRANKS!!!
I may actually have this think on the water for this sunday.. Fireworks on the river... No more sitting with the 6000 land lovers on the banks and the riverfront.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Test starter windings?

Many people don't realized this but the brushes although they are categorized on how hard they hard, can be easily shaped to fit. A 180 grit sandpaper for a starter and 400 grit to smooth it will do the trick. However. if it's already working as long as the brushes are not too short, it should be OK.