Starter Troubleshooting

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  • joedoozer
    Senior Member
    • Nov 2009
    • 745

    #1

    Starter Troubleshooting

    I have a starter that doesn't spin. The solenoid kicks out the gear, but it doesn't spin. I am bench testing it, and it still doesn't spin. Here is what I tested, where have I gone wrong?1. Checked resistance of the commutator to armature shaft. It is open, so that is good.2. Checked resistance between segments of the commutator. I have continuity, so that is good.3. I checked the mica on the commutator and they are clean and there is plenty of gap. So that is good.4. I checked continuity of the brushes. The insulated ones are open to the starter case. So that is good. 5. The starter does physically spin my hand, I have no binding or bearing issues.What am I missing?
    Crew Chief "Tip of the day":
    Most handling problems can be solved by adjusting the screw-ball. It can be difficult to fine tune at times. Explaining yourself loudly and striking it on top of the helmet with a dead blow hammer usually works well.
  • joedoozer
    Senior Member
    • Nov 2009
    • 745

    #2
    This forum pisses me off. Why does it lump everything into one paragraph?
    Crew Chief "Tip of the day":
    Most handling problems can be solved by adjusting the screw-ball. It can be difficult to fine tune at times. Explaining yourself loudly and striking it on top of the helmet with a dead blow hammer usually works well.

    Comment

    • Milford Motorsports
      Senior Member
      • Jun 2008
      • 285

      #3
      It seams you are looking for a short when you should be looking for an open circuit.Some where current is not getting through.Did you take the solenoid apart,most have a copper disc that makes contact energizing the starter motor.These can become burnt or corroded and not make a good contact.Take a look at the brushes,check the leads make sure they are still intact.Lightly sand the brushes they can become glazed and not make good contact.
      Good luck!

      Comment

      • 500BOMBER
        Senior Member
        • Jun 2007
        • 762

        #4
        Originally posted by joedoozer View Post
        This forum pisses me off. Why does it lump everything into one paragraph?
        Because 4m is an ill-engineered piece of crap.
        Old enuf to know better, still too young to givadamm.

        Comment

        • joedoozer
          Senior Member
          • Nov 2009
          • 745

          #5
          The starter is only a year old and looks decent. The solenoid is good, and works perfect. When I put power right on the cable on the motor side it still doesn't spin. I think it might be a brush issue. At this point what else could it be.
          Last edited by joedoozer; 02-23-2012, 12:29 PM.
          Crew Chief "Tip of the day":
          Most handling problems can be solved by adjusting the screw-ball. It can be difficult to fine tune at times. Explaining yourself loudly and striking it on top of the helmet with a dead blow hammer usually works well.

          Comment

          • Milford Motorsports
            Senior Member
            • Jun 2008
            • 285

            #6
            If the brushes check out ok ,about the only thing left would be an open winding in the armature.You need a special piece of test equiptment to check the armature,find a local electric motor shop they should be able to check it for a couple bucks.

            Comment

            • joedoozer
              Senior Member
              • Nov 2009
              • 745

              #7
              Yeah a growl test. I live in the middle of no where so finding something like that isn't even worth trying.
              Crew Chief "Tip of the day":
              Most handling problems can be solved by adjusting the screw-ball. It can be difficult to fine tune at times. Explaining yourself loudly and striking it on top of the helmet with a dead blow hammer usually works well.

              Comment

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