Starter Components Tests and Inspections

STARTER COMPONENTS TESTS AND INSPECTIONS







Starter Brush Holder Test
1. Check that there is no continuity between the + and - brush holders.

If there is continuity, replace the brush holder assembly.

2. Insert the brush into the brush holder, and bring the brush into contact with the commutator, then attach a spring scale to the spring.

Spring tension:

Measure the spring tension at the moment the spring lifts off the brush.

Brush Length:

Starter Brush Inspection
Measure the brush length.

If it is less than the service limit, replace the armature housing and brush holder assembly.


NOTE: To seat new brushes after installing them in their holders, slip a Strip of #500 or #600 sandpaper, with the grit side up, over the commutator and smoothly rotate the armature. The contact surface of the brushes will be sanded to the same contour as the commutator.







Armature Inspection and Test
1. Inspect the armature for wear or damage due to contact with the field winding. If there is wear or damage, replace the armature.
2. Check commutator surface and diameter.







- If the surface is dirty or burnt, resurface with emery cloth or a lathe within the following specifications, or recondition with #500 or #600 sandpaper.

Commutator Diameter:

- If commutator diameter is below the service limit, replace the armature.

Commutator Runout:

3. Measure the commutator runout.
- If the commutator runout is within the service limit, check the commutator for carbon dust or brass chips between the segments.
- If the commutator runout is not within the service limit, replace the armature.

Commutator Mica Depth:

4. Check the mica depth. If necessary, undercut the mica with a hacksaw blade to achieve proper depth.

If the service limit cannot be maintained, replace the armature.







5. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator.

If an open circuit exists between any segments, replace the armature.







6. Place the armature on an armature tester. Hold a hacksaw blade on the armature core.

If the blade is attracted to the core or vibrates while the core is turned, the armature is shorted, replace the armature.







7. With an ohmmeter, check for continuity between the commutator and armature coil core, and between the commutator and armature shaft.

If there is continuity, replace the armature.


Starter Field Winding Test
1. Check for continuity between the brushes.

If there's no continuity, replace the armature housing.







2. Check for continuity between each brush and the armature housing (ground).

If there is continuity, replace the armature housing.


Overrunning Clutch Inspection
1. Slide the overrunning clutch along the shaft.

Does it move freely?
If not, replace it.







2. Rotate the overrunning clutch both ways. Does it lock in one direction and rotate smoothly in reverse?

If it does not lock in either direction or it locks in both directions, replace it.

3. If the starter drive gear is worn or damaged, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; the gear is not available separately.
4. Check the condition of the flywheel or torque converter ring gear if the starter drive gear teeth are damaged.







Solenoid Plunger Inspection
Check the contact points and the face of the starter solenoid plunger for burning, pitting or any other defects.

If surfaces are rough, recondition them with a strip of #500 or #600 sandpaper.