starter commutator

montidale · Apr 22, 2012

What is the best way to clean a starter commutator without turning it on a lathe.Seems to me there was a special sand paper to use that wouldn't plug up and short out between the commutator. Dale

Walt Davies · Apr 22, 2012

Nothing special just use the white or red color paper not the black as it will short it out. It's best if you can the get strips and pull from the ends like polishing your shoes.
Walt

Geo-TH,In · Apr 22, 2012

I've used emery cloth or wet and dry 200-300 sandpaper. Most commutators have an insulation between segments. However if yours doesn't use a tooth pick and scrape out the copper between the segments. If you have deep pits, you may have to use something rougher and then polish with finer.

I like wet and dry sandpaper, because it doesn't leave particles of sand behind.

pete 23 · Apr 22, 2012

We always had a special roll of commutator paper for years. All of a sudden, our supplier says, no more. Just use regular emery cloth , no problem. We were always told it would imbed in the commutator but I see no problem. If you don't have a commutator lathe to clean them up you can make a v-box and use a file. Starters turn slow so a little run out is no problem. You just have to take your time and they turn out surprisingly well. On a generator it is a different situation altogether.

barnE · Apr 22, 2012

NO aluminum oxide. Use piece of hacksaw blade to get between segments. Dave

Chas · Apr 22, 2012

The pro's use a fibre-glass rod, however unless the commutator is badly scored or pitted it shouldn't be necessary to use abrasive. Ideally, if the scoring is not great and the surface is just dirty, use only a solvent to clean down and inspect. The working surface area ideally should be a 'chocolate brown' colour (once you get rid of the carbon), identifiably darker than the 'unbrushed' areas. If this is the case, the copper has been surface hardened, polished and is in best possible state. Removing this with abrasive takes it back to soft copper and increases wear. Clean between the segments with a toothpick or matchstick, clean off again with solvent. Light scoring is no problem, new brushes will bed in over it. Make sure the brushes / holders dont bind and spring pressure is good. If the commie is grooved or heavily scored it may need skimming. If the brushes are worn short enough to reduce spring pressure, then replace them. To bed-in new brushes, wrap a strip of emery - rough side up - around the commie, allow the brushes to press against it and rock the commie to shape the brush.

David G · Apr 22, 2012

Emery, and no need to score with hacksaw blade on starter, generator yes.

Daryl in PA · Apr 22, 2012

There called com stones...while running you put them on the com...eliminates the arching

Daryl in PA · Apr 22, 2012

There called com stones...while running you put them on the com...eliminates the arching

montidale · Apr 22, 2012

Thanks everyone for the info Dale

Rusty wheel · Apr 22, 2012

I use sand paper. Not al. oxide or emery paper.

starter commutator

montidale

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Walt Davies

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Geo-TH,In

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pete 23

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barnE

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Chas

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David G

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Daryl in PA

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Daryl in PA

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montidale

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Rusty wheel

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