Starter going bad on B

jkmdg84 · Jun 18, 2013

Ive been working to get a '46 B up and running. It is a converted 12 volt with a distributor. One afternoon I went to start it and nothing happened when the button was pushed down. Well after putting a new starter switch on and still nothing, I loosened the clamp around the armature and a bunch of copper fines came falling out. So that was my proof that the starter was shot.

My question is can the starters be rebuilt very easily or should I just buy a new one? It is a Delco-Remy. I see they sell starters here on this site--would that be a good buy?

Thanks!

LMack · Jun 18, 2013

If you have a rebuild shop near by use it. If you do not rebuild starters on a regular basis then I would not recommend you start now . . . unless you are up for a challenge. Are you sure the starter was not "locked", that is bound up with the flywheel in such a way that the engine will not turn. If you have a hand crank try cranking the motor. If not put it in high gear and try to rock the tractor using the rear wheel. If the fan does not move you have a "locked" starter. The C113 and C123 engines were bad to lock up on start with nothing wrong with the starter. Get back to us if the engine is locked up and someone will tell you how to fix the problem.

Owen Aaland · Jun 18, 2013

Fine copper particles from the armature end are normal. The brushes are mostly copper and the commutator that they ride on is also copper. What you see is mostly from the wear on the brushes.

If you still have an original Delco-Remy starter you have a better unit than you will get if you were to but a new replacement starter.

gene bender · Jun 18, 2013

Thats probably why they went to 12v instead of getting the starter refreshed. I would get it rebuilt probably could get a rebuilt one from Harvey Bros for 175 or so they are the best in rebuilted ones.

mkirsch · Jun 19, 2013

The starter shop will clean up the commutator, then install new brushes and bushings. It will be like a whole new starter.

rustyfarmall · Jun 19, 2013

The same thing happened on my M. I took the starter off, took it apart, and found those same, fine copper particles piled up around the armature. I used some aerosol carb cleaner and compressed air to clean all the crud out (the brushes were still good), put new grease in the bushing, re-assembled the starter, and it worked just like new. Still working just fine 10 years later.

jkmdg84 · Jun 19, 2013

Thanks for everybody's responses! I took it to a nearby repair shop and we took the brushes out and they were worn down. They are going to put some new brushes on, clean things up a little, and then hopefully that does the trick!

teddy52food · Jun 19, 2013

If the brushes are worn so are the bushings. Replace them too.

Starter going bad on B

jkmdg84

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LMack

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Owen Aaland

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gene bender

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mkirsch

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rustyfarmall

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jkmdg84

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teddy52food

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