Update on starter problem with my WD (w/ pictures)

Will Herring · Nov 9, 2013

So I pulled the starter today (only free time anymore is the weekends). I pulled the battery cables, the cables from the starter, and then loosened the one bolt that holds the starter in and she slid right out without a fuss. Don't see any damage on the flywheel (but did not spin it for inspection), nor do I really see any damage on the teeth of the starter. I can spin the gear on the starter both ways and it makes a clicking sound if you make a full rotation in one direction, but I don't know how to check the internals any deeper on it than I am at now.

The only thing that jumps out at me is the metal plate on the starter needs cleaned badly (first picture). It is rusty and corroded as all heck.

Dick2 · Nov 9, 2013

If that rusty spot is where the starter is supposed to ground, that could be the problem.

With the started out, connect the starter with jumer cable and check the action of the starter Bendix to make sure it travels the full length and engages fast.

Will Herring · Nov 9, 2013

I forgot to ask -- any special instructions to reinstall the starter? Or just get the bolt reinstalled where it was?

(quoted from post at 14:39:55 11/09/13) If that rusty spot is where the starter is supposed to ground, that could be the problem.

With the started out, connect the starter with jumer cable and check the action of the starter Bendix to make sure it travels the full length and engages fast.

That rusty spot is the one that the wire goes to it that comes directly off the battery itself. It can also be seen in the bottom right corner of the fourth picture with the washer and nut back on it.

I imagine if you apply power to this thing that it would want to dance off the table? I see the when you rotate in different directions it moves in a different direction as it rides on something internally?

bo · Nov 9, 2013

It won't dance off the table, it'll just heel over from the torque...Stick on a vise..not in but open the jaws wide enough to hold it but not tighten.

Bob Bancroft · Nov 9, 2013

There's a big, heavy drive spring in there that's apt to break.

Will Herring · Nov 9, 2013

How can I tell if the spring is broken?

Or are there directions on how to disassemble the starter somewhere?

Bob Bancroft · Nov 9, 2013

Spinning the gear should spin the whole armature shaft, which will offer some resistance.
If spinning the gear doesn't turn the shaft, (except that the broken ends of the spring may be catching) then the spring is broken.
I would gladly show you how to do it, but could never get it in words, let alone type it out,without messing it up!
You aren't anywhere near central NY I suppose?

Will Herring · Nov 9, 2013

(quoted from post at 15:26:23 11/09/13) Spinning the gear should spin the whole armature shaft, which will offer some resistance.
If spinning the gear doesn't turn the shaft, (except that the broken ends of the spring may be catching) then the spring is broken.
I would gladly show you how to do it, but could never get it in words, let alone type it out,without messing it up!
You aren't anywhere near central NY I suppose?

Should I be able to see the tip of the internal shaft that is exposed at the end of the starter (at the tip of the "cone") spin when I spin the gear?

Nah, I live in Illinois. Is it hard? Like a bunch of screws and stuff, or do you have to drive some pins out and gap/space stuff when it goes back together?

dustycoal · Nov 9, 2013

I would replace the rusty switch first, Starter
would never work with connections like that. Inside
the switch could be just as bad. Those switches are
cheap and Napa should have them. Then try starter
hooking up the cables and see if it spins. I would
clean your cable ends good also and dielectric
grease is your friend. I use it on all electrical
connections. Good luck with it.

Bob Bancroft · Nov 9, 2013

Yes. The armature shaft is one piece all the way through. Of course the gear will spiral up and down the threads. But at either end, it should turn the shaft.
If you want to- e mail me with your phone number and I'll call you.

Will Herring · Nov 9, 2013

dustycoal -- i will pull the switch and check

Bob -- I will try and run the gear as far as possible in each direction and see if the internal piece spins as noted. And eventually after cleaning the switch will try applying power to it and see if it works as expected.

RalphWD45 · Nov 10, 2013

Put your nut back on your starter cable stud, till it's just flush with the stud end. That is to protect the threads from arcing. Lay the starter on the ground close to a good battery. Use a good set of jumper cables and ground the case to your neg bat post, with one cable. connect the otrher cable to the pos post on the bat, and place one foot on the starter, to keep it from jumping. Then touch the pos cable to the starter stud, It should spin and drive the bendix spring down the shaft spinning the small gear. that should be all the test needed.

Update on starter problem with my WD (w/ pictures)

Will Herring

Well-known Member

Dick2

Well-known Member

Will Herring

Well-known Member

bo

Well-known Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Will Herring

Well-known Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Will Herring

Well-known Member

dustycoal

Member

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Will Herring

Well-known Member

RalphWD45

Well-known Member

Similar threads