Starter question

[drostar100]

Sorry if this is one of those things that has been answered a million times but I haven't found anything in my searches yet.

I know I need a new starter, my question is where to get one? I was about to pull the trigger on one on eBay but then read about some issues with getting the wrong one. So is there a known reliable source for starters that don't cost boat loads of cash? The ebay ones are $80 -$100 low end, old bike barn and Dennis Kirk are around $200..... I have seen them for $600??? I don't mind paying for quality but being new to this bike I don't know what I should be expecting price wise. I can tell you I won't be paying $600 for one

I am not opposed to rebuilding mine, I have done lots of automotive starters and alternators over the years, is this a good option or is replacement the better way to go on these?

Thanks In advance.
Dro

 

[dan filipi]

Yeah, a lot of China crap starters on EBay.
Some even turn backward!

Usually these can be rebuilt.
Basically a good cleaning, some grease and brushes are all that's needed.

 

[mcgovern61]

Usually these can be rebuilt. Basically a good cleaning, some grease and brushes are all that's needed.

Never really looked into this, but do you just take your old starter to an alternator repair shop and let them have at it?


I am curious since I have two spare used starters and would like to at least bring one up to new/rebuilt stage.

 

[dan filipi]

Usually these can be rebuilt. Basically a good cleaning, some grease and brushes are all that's needed.

Never really looked into this, but do you just take your old starter to an alternator repair shop and let them have at it?


I am curious since I have two spare used starters and would like to at least bring one up to new/rebuilt stage.

A shop is easiest, $60-$70.
There are also brush kits available on eBay. Haven't read any bad about those yet.

 

[drostar100]

Yeah, a lot of China crap starters on EBay.
Some even turn backward!

Usually these can be rebuilt.
Basically a good cleaning, some grease and brushes are all that's needed.

Thanks for the reply, I think I am going to try that route first.

 

[OldWrench]

I run a truck shop, I won't buy most rebuilds because they are normally just patched up starters. I have all mine rebuilt and complete. Make sure the armature is turned and brushes seated. To me finding a reputable shop to do your rebuild is the best way to go.

 

[drostar100]

Usually these can be rebuilt. Basically a good cleaning, some grease and brushes are all that's needed.

Never really looked into this, but do you just take your old starter to an alternator repair shop and let them have at it?


I am curious since I have two spare used starters and would like to at least bring one up to new/rebuilt stage.

I just ordered a rebuild kit off eBay for $29.00 shipped. I will let you know how it goes

 

[drostar100]

I run a truck shop, I won't buy most rebuilds because they are normally just patched up starters. I have all mine rebuilt and complete. Make sure the armature is turned and brushes seated. To me finding a reputable shop to do your rebuild is the best way to go.

I would agree, I haven't had to replace a starter in one of my own vehicles in about 20 years and when I am doing it for someone else I install what they are paying for. It is getting hard to find a shop that does rebuilds anymore.

 

[Ansimp]

I think that Dro should be able to handle the rebuilding process due to his original post about his previous occupation :good:

 

[OldWrench]

One of the most neglected procedures in rebuilding any electric motor is turning the armature. IF the armature is the least bit rough it will wear out the brushes in short order. It normally only takes a few thousands to clean them up.

 

[drostar100]

One of the most neglected procedures in rebuilding any electric motor is turning the armature. IF the armature is the least bit rough it will wear out the brushes in short order. It normally only takes a few thousands to clean them up.

thanks for the tip

 

[dan filipi]

One of the most neglected procedures in rebuilding any electric motor is turning the armature. IF the armature is the least bit rough it will wear out the brushes in short order. It normally only takes a few thousands to clean them up.

So true.
A shop should "turn" it so it's flat and smooth.

 

[joedrum]

well doing something right is beginning to be a lost art

 

[Ansimp]

With turning the armature, in most cases I only use lynishing paper and polish the comm. if you machine it you then need to undercut the comm to clean up the segments and then need to finish up by lynishing the commutator to a polished finish.

 

[drostar100]

Well, the rebuild didn't fix it, as soon as i opened it up I figured it wouldn't help.
The brushes were in pretty good shape, not much carbon build up. The wires on the positive side of the brushes were in bad shape though, almost all the insulation was gone and the wires inside the housing were the same way, bare spots and looked almost burnt. I did the rebuild anyway, new brushes and brush plate, cleaned the armature and the comm, new bearings and seals, new grease....

Everything spins freely, no binding, did the test with my charger and nothing.......put it back in the bike anyway, I don't want to leave that hole open while I wait for a new starter...tried it just for grins, nothing of course. I can hear the relay click and the lights go a little dim when I hit the starter button but no spin, even when hooked directly to the battery.

I figure the armature has some bad windings or something inside is grounding out.

Oh well, $30 lost but it was worth a shot.

So back to my original question, anyone know a decent place to buy a starter for under $200? If not I will pay what I have to pay but I would like to save as much as possible.

 

[dan filipi]

Check stockers.com.
Mine was under $200 new not rebuilt.

 

[drostar100]

Check stockers.com.
Mine was under $200 new not rebuilt.

Thanks, looks like $129.00 I think that will be the ticket. I can get a working used one from the salvage yard down the street for $100 so for the minimal price difference might as well go new.

Out of stock though

 

[Ansimp]

Drostar it sounds like the insulation on the field coils has had it and are going to ground. These can be removed and retaped and varnished and reinstalled. You may need to seek out and old school rewinder or auto electrician that can do this for you.

 

[Ansimp]

If you decide on a new starter I would lean towards a permanent magnet type like the Ricks one (eBay item 290747750661). The only disadvantage with permanent magnet starters is if you decide to tap on them for encouragement and you crack the magnets.

 

[drostar100]

Anyone ever heard of or used these guys?

https://www.discountstarterandalternator ... 4AodoTcAJQ