Starter Questions

I tore my starter apart today and boy was it DIRTY! The brushes appear to be within spec but they just look like crap. Does anyone have a idea where I might go to find new ones, other than the local dealer? Also I checked the resistance on the commutator bars. They all seem fine except 1, I just can't get it to reqister on the ohmmeter. Is this a problem or can I get by with it like that?

Thanks,

Bob
'82 xj 550 maxim

 

Standard brushes fit many different bikes. May be able to shop around an get a decent price.

Use the folowing site for reference. http://www.oldbikebarn.com/part.php?id= ... PerPage=20

When my XJ550 starter died I bought a second hand KZ750 starter for $AUD50. Just had to swap the endplates to get it to fit.

Cheers
HG

 

Bob, you said "Also I checked the resistance on the commutator bars. They all seem fine except 1, I just can't get it to reqister on the ohmmeter". How are you ohming them out? According to the Haynes, the bars are supposed to be measured one to another (from one bar to the next) with a a value of 0.014 ohms at 68 degrees Farenheit. If you are measuring in this fashion, you've got a dead segment. This requires the replacement of the armature (expensive!) SnoSheriff has given you a great suggestion for replacement. It would be a lot cheaper. Hired_Goon, your suggestion was most enterprising, good on you. I wouldn't have thought to do that. If the manufacturer happens to be the same, why the heck not. I applaud your ingenuity. Good luck Bob. Let us know if the patient survives. All the best.

 

You might try cleaning out between each copper segment and measuring them again. I believe the mica should be undercut somewhat compared to the copper contacts.

 

Well I'm afraid that I am probably going to be checking out e-bay.

I cleaned that sucker again....the mica is lower than the copper contacts (it really looks in good shape)... I followed the Hayes manual on how to check the resistance but I still have that 1 "dead" spot. I have been to the oldbikefarm web site in the past but never thought about checking them out for brushes. Like Robert said if they're the same why not, that was a really good idea.

I do have a couple other ideas of what to try.

My father knows a guy that rebuilds / repairs starters. But that depends on the cost. And I know of a place that repairs bikes that has a barn full of old parts. Unfortunatly, the parts are not separated they are all over the place, on shelves, in barrels, in piles all over the floor. Last time I was there he handed me a flashlight and told me the general spot where the part might be. It's kind of cool looking at all those parts but... talk about finding a needle in a haystack!

Thank-you everyone, I'll keep you posted.

Bob

 

Your friends barn sounds like a great opportunity. I wouldn't waste the time trying to replace the armature. Keep that old starter for parts and get another one would be your best bet (if you have the room for long term storage). Your armature is now a very neat looking doorstop. There is no way to repair it. Get something that looks similar (take the old one with you or at least the sticker to match numbers) and go from there. Easy day. A needle in a haystack (or a couple of hours of your time) sounds like a good deal to me. Drat, I moved in June and everything is still packed up. I have a starter off of an XS the would do the trick. Sigh, I'll find it again some day. Hope your efforts pay off.

 

Robert you're right about the door stop.....or I could even put on on a shelf and use it as a conversational piece....or even a paper weight. Anyway keep me in mind if you happen to come across the one you have. In the mean time I guess I'll have to go hunting for that wascally wabbit.

Bob

 

Will do. Could be a few months at the rate I'm going. Hope you have the time to wait. Go dig at your friends place, you've nothing to loose and a good starter (or parts) to gain. What more could you ask for? Unless your not a grease monkey like me, in which case, you value your time in other ways. Rob.

 

Actually I've been looking for something to do with my extra time. Something to make me relax a little and take my mind off of things. And tinkering with the bike may be just what I was looking for.

Later,
Bob