Overhaul

Starter Overhaul

Armature Inspection and Test

1. Remove the starter.
2. Disassemble the starter as shown at the beginning of this procedure.




3. Inspect the armature for wear or damage from contact with the permanent magnet. If there is wear or damage, replace the armature.




4. Check the commutator (A) surface. 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 (B).




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




6. Measure the commutator (A) 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.




7. Check the mica depth (A). If the mica is too high (B), undercut the mica with a hacksaw blade to the proper depth. Cut away all the mica (C) between the commutator segments. The undercut should not be too shallow, too narrow, or V-shaped (D).




8. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an open circuit between any segments, replace the armature.




9. Place the armature (A) on an armature tester (B). Hold a hacksaw blade (C) 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.




10. Check for continuity between the commutator (A) and armature coil core (B), and between the commutator and armature shaft (C). If there is continuity, replace the armature.

Starter Brush Inspection




11. Measure the brush length. If it is not within the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly.

Starter Brush Inspection




11. Measure the brush length. If it is not within the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly.

Starter Brush Holder Test




12. Check for continuity between the (+) brush holder (A) and (-) brush holder (B). If there is continuity, replace the brush holder assembly.

Brush Spring Inspection




13. Insert the brush (A) into the brush holder, and bring the brush into contact with the commutator, then attach a spring scale (B) to the spring (C). Measure the spring tension at the moment the spring lifts off the brush. If the spring tension is not within specification, replace the spring.




14. Flyback each brush spring with a screwdriver, then position the brush about halfway out of its holder, and release the spring to hold it there.

NOTE: To seat new brushes, slip a strip of # 500 or #600 sandpaper, with the grit side up, between the commutator and each brush, and smoothly rotate the armature. The contact surface of the brushes will be sanded to the same contour as the commutator.




15. Install the armature in the housing. Next, pry back each brush spring again, and push the brush down until it seats against the commutator, then release the spring against the end of the brush.




16. Install the starter end cover (A) to retain the brush holder (B).

Overrunning Clutch Inspection
17. Slide the overrunning clutch along the shaft. Replace it if it does not slide smoothly.




18. Rotate the overrunning clutch (A) both ways. If it does not lock in either direction or it locks in both directions, replace it.
19. If the starter drive gear (B) is worn or damaged, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; the gear is not available separately.

NOTE: Check the condition of the flywheel or torque converter ring gear to see if the teeth are damaged.

20. Reassemble the starter in the reverse order of disassembly.