what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

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alden135

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Sep 1, 2004
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Last time out my ign switch stuck in the "start" position. I ran across the bay like this :mad: . When I went to restart, I had to tap on the starter to get it to spin. Is there a chance I could fix it or should I just replace the whole thing?<br /> <br />Thanks
 
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Paul Moir

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

When it spun, did it proceed to crank the engine normalish? If so, perhaps you're lucky and you just wore out the brushes.<br />If not, it could be burnt up. Take it apart yourself & see whats up or drop it off at an auto starter rebuild shop.
 
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alden135

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

Hey Paul,<br />After I tapped it it would start normally from the keyswitch, just like nothing was wrong. If you think it's salvagable from my description I'll go pull it and replace the brushes. iboats has them available.
 
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Paul Moir

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

I would definitly look at least. Maybe you got real lucky and one of the brushes just stuck or something, and they're not even worn. But I wouldn't rely on that kind of luck. :)
 
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John McFarlane

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

What normally happens when a starter jams engaged, is the rpm of the engine spins the starter at MANY MANY times what it is designed to spin at. This force causes the starter armature to literally 'spin itself to bits'. You may be lucky, and the starter still function correctly, BUT, it will have suffered some sort of damage, probably inside the armature or the commutator. <br /><br />Of course, a few seconds doesn't do that much damage, but you should get the armature checked out by an autoelectrician at the same time you do the starter up.
 
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rodbolt

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

the other problem that crops up in that case is the upper armeture bushing gets wiped out.<br /> if its a permmanat magnet motor and ya spin it it may try to act as a generator and start arcing the commutator.
 
Barnacle_Bill

Barnacle_Bill

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

If it were me, I would take it to a shop and have it rebuilt. This way you are sure of what you have. A good shop will replace bearings, bushings, brushes and resurface the commutator.
 
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alden135

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Re: what did I do to my starter? (fixed)

I went to Maine this past weekend and pulled the starter. When I got it home and opened it up a lot of black dust and crud fell out. I had ordered a brush set from iboats but the existing ones were fine. I cleaned everything with electrical parts spray, lubed it according to the book and reassembled. I tested it with a battery and a set of cables and it seems to be fine. Thanks for the help guys. :)
 
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