57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

[Rapunzel]

HI All-

I have the original starter for my motor.
I was needing to change out the brushes.
I already have the new ones.
Was wondering if anyone here knows what type of solder was used
back then, because we can't get it to melt!!
It's extremely hard and short of putting a torch to it,
it just won't turn loose.
Any advice or help here would be appreciated.

Thanks
Rapunzel

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

I have always used thin core electronic solder (rosin).

 

[boobie]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

If you're trying to remove the brush you need a bigger soldering gun. Use rosin core solder when installing. Not acid core. DON'T put a torch to it.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

....and when attaching the new brushes, "tin" the end of the braided wire , it will make the job alot easier.

 

[F_R]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

Replacing brushes is an art in itself. Such an art that I quit trying to do it myself.

It is hard to hold the lead in place for soldering.
It takes a LOT of heat.
If you get the brush lead too hot, solder will wick up it and make it stiff as a stick and it won't slide in the brush holder..
And if you do succeed, the first time you run the starter a bit too long or too much load, it will melt the brushes loose.
Look at the original ones---they weren't soldered in at all- they were welded.

But anyhow, good luck. We all have to try it at least once.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

I agree with Frank. There is a starter/alternator rebuild shop on my corner that does them for me for a fewbucks. What the heck would I stress about them for, lol. I farm them out and happily fork out the cash.

 

[Vintin]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

Maybe silver solder is used. It's got a much higher melting point than easy solder.

 

[boobie]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

I've done a lot of those brushes over the years and you're right there is a knack to it.

 

[Rapunzel]

Re: 57 Johnson 35hp Sea Horse starter/brushes

Thank you all for your words of wisdom here.

I spoke to the marine shop here locally today.
I'm known as the crazy sea horse boat lady there.
Mr. Larry had an interesting way of doing this.
He said -
" Yes it is Silver -very hard to melt so don't try.
Instead cut the wires off close to the brush ends and clean them well.
Then use butt connectors to connect the old and new wires,
then solder the connections.
That way you will have more wire to be able to move the brushes
into position while keeping them loose enough, so you won't break
them while trying to fit them back into the keepers."

Does this sound like a reasonable plan to ya'll????

Rapunzel