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Old 02-05-2019, 06:01 PM   #1
Rustyscrap
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Angry SLOW starter

The starter in my '31 PU gave up the ghost after 40+ years of faithful service (just totally dead). I attempted an overhaul: cleaned up commutator, new bushings and brushes. It passes all the field continuity tests and the armature spins free, but when I jumper test it on the garage floor the armature just barely turns. Anyone have any advice on what to try next?
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Old 02-05-2019, 06:32 PM   #2
1930artdeco
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Just my 2 cents worth here:


1) Maybe not getting good current flow through the brushes
2) bent shaft
3) bad ground


I am NO electrical guru and welcome to the Barn!


Mike
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Old 02-05-2019, 08:50 PM   #3
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustyscrap View Post
The starter in my '31 PU gave up the ghost after 40+ years of faithful service (just totally dead). I attempted an overhaul: cleaned up commutator, new bushings and brushes. It passes all the field continuity tests and the armature spins free, but when I jumper test it on the garage floor the armature just barely turns. Anyone have any advice on what to try next?
What is your power supply when doing this? Is it capable of maintaining 6 volts when the starter is connected?
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Old 02-06-2019, 09:58 AM   #4
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Ground-clean shinny bright and tight!! Out of car??? Getting good voltage ditto#3
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Old 02-06-2019, 10:14 AM   #5
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Default Re: SLOW starter

I would suspect that the brushes and/or the commutator are contaminated w/oil.
Are the brushes still long enough to get good spring pressure against the commutator?
Clean the commutator off w/a good degreaser and try a new set of brushes.
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Old 02-06-2019, 12:58 PM   #6
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Default Re: SLOW starter

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If the starter switch is mounted during test, that may be the cause.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...29&postcount=4
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Old 02-06-2019, 04:07 PM   #7
Werner
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Hello,


I do not know if I understand the problem correctly.

When starting the cold engine with thick 25W-50 oil, I measure a current flow of about 150 amperes, the voltage drops to <5 volts. Both are normal.
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Old 02-07-2019, 10:30 AM   #8
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Quote:
I do not know if I understand the problem correctly.
I believe his problem is the starter itself, not the cold weather.
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Old 02-07-2019, 10:56 AM   #9
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Ground issue? Mine was spinning very slow when testing and i added a ground from the frame to the trans bell housing and much better. But if your testing on the floor then maybe you have a starter issue. Volt meters are a great way to narrow down the problem.
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Old 02-07-2019, 11:19 AM   #10
Patrick L.
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Default Re: SLOW starter

By 'garage floor' I'm assuming you mean the starter is not in the car. Did you test the commutator ? Its an easy test with a continuity meter but you may have to take the armature to a shop for a growler test.
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Old 02-07-2019, 11:52 AM   #11
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Been there done that! Brushes in the wrong holders! I had the same exact problem. Corrected the brush locations, problem solved.
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Old 02-07-2019, 06:42 PM   #12
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustyscrap View Post
The starter in my '31 PU gave up the ghost after 40+ years of faithful service (just totally dead). I attempted an overhaul: cleaned up commutator, new bushings and brushes. It passes all the field continuity tests and the armature spins free, but when I jumper test it on the garage floor the armature just barely turns. Anyone have any advice on what to try next?
I had mine apart way to many times, I found it wasn't the starter, It Was My Modern Car that I was jump start/ spinning the A starter.
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Old 02-08-2019, 03:46 PM   #13
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Default Re: SLOW starter

I wrote this in "mini starter" this morning and is quite applicable to this thread. It is copied and pasted. gary.

I had my Tourer (parked behind the ute in the picture below) converted to 12V some time back but not the starter. Each time I cranked I shuddered at the severe impact. I have busted 2 armature shafts so I purchased new field coils. had fitted and started so well. ONCE.
Disassembled and packed the bendix so it wouldn't jam. Again it started so well. ONCE. At present I am awaiting the rebuilding of my starter with a 5/8 shaft and new bendix by the guru Synchro and I reckon he will rebuild like new.
HOWEVER when I purchased the field coil I was unaware of the new light weight starter. I had one demonstrated to me at the Murray Bridge meet and it was a beauty.
From my experience don't mess with your original starter, unless you are a concourse entrant, just buy a light weight.
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Old 03-15-2019, 10:45 AM   #14
Rustyscrap
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Solved the slow starter. It was caused by a cold solder job on the soldered brushes. These connections are difficult. Requires a soldering iron of 200 watts. New wires have to be "tinned" properly before connecting to the lugs. Had I to do it over again I wouldn't have even replaced the solder connected brushes. I think proper operation is all about the condition of the commutator.
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Old 03-15-2019, 10:56 AM   #15
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Hooray...thanks for letting us know you fixed the problem!
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Old 03-15-2019, 11:06 AM   #16
Terry, NJ
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Default Re: SLOW starter

Another aspect of this problem may be a poor ground. The best way I know of getting a starter to turn faster is to ground it directly to the battery. The ground path through a lot of old , rusty, riveted joints is not good. Use a modern 12v cable and connect to the same bolt as where the primary ground strap connects. Put a large hole connection (not a battery connecter) the other end. Connect that end to a 3/8 starter bolt and go turn the key and press the starter. It should be able to turn faster and start quicker.
Terry




Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustyscrap View Post
Solved the slow starter. It was caused by a cold solder job on the soldered brushes. These connections are difficult. Requires a soldering iron of 200 watts. New wires have to be "tinned" properly before connecting to the lugs. Had I to do it over again I wouldn't have even replaced the solder connected brushes. I think proper operation is all about the condition of the commutator.
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Old 03-15-2019, 11:07 AM   #17
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Default Re: SLOW starter

If the brass-bronze field brushes are so badly worn that they must be replaced , I usually just pick a better core to overhaul . The field brushes usually last a lifetime or more . It is just too easy to ruin a good starter if you don't have the proper tools and experience to replace the field brushes . The ground brushes attach with screws and will usually suffice . The carbon ground brushes are the ones that wear the quickest and most . .
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