40 Starter Question

[Hotflashjr]

I got the starter off my 40U. It spisn freely in my hand including the Bendix. It did not seem lodged/locked onto the flywheel when removing. Engine turns over with a prybar on the flywheel like it should.

How do I safely test the original 6 volt starter? My thought is to put it in a vice, ground the mounting bolt of the vice to my battery with a jumper cable and then with the positive jumper cable tap the positive lug on the starter to see if it spins.

I also got the dash plate off and the wiring in there is not the best. I think a wiring kit is in order and might be the actual issue, not the starter, but want to verify the starter does spin.

 

[Mike M]

That's how I test them. I would still take it apart even if it does seem to work and check the brushes and bushings. You can also look at the outside of the armature for rub marks as a sign it is starting to drag in the housing from loose bushings.

 

[Randy G]

Put the starter TIGHTLY in a vice. Find a bare metal spot on the starters outer case. Touch the blackground battery cable there. Take vibrates badly the armature may be bent.

 

[teddy52food]

Put one cable on the stud 1st, then touch the other to ground. So it doesn't ruin the threads.

 

[Randy G]

Put the starter TIGHTLY in a vice. Find a bare metal spot on the starters outer case. Touch the black ground battery cable there. Take the red positive cable and touch the post under the switch. Should spin very fast. If it vibrates badly the armature may be bent. Common problem as these starters have no center support for the armature.

 

[M-MAN]

It's not a boogie monster. It will jump a little on startup just like any electric motor but that's all. I lay it down on the ground or fender well and use my hand or foot to steady it. In the old days I have tested plenty of them in my hand by putting the post on the positive battery terminal and a screwdriver on the negative and touching the case. Not smart because a bad battery can go boom.

 

[Hotflashjr]

Totally understood but I will no doubt have my 5 year old helper in my back pocket so in the vice it will go on this one. He has yet to fully determine spinning machinery or electrical power are things to be respected in life. He is a learn by doing kind of kid... for better or worse.

 

[Hotflashjr]

I took off the inspection cover and the brushes have tons of life left. The com shaft has a little bit of pitting/scoring but not bad at all.

 

[Randy G]

Wise choice hotflash!! Not taking proper safety measures is how accidents happen!! Experienced or not.