Tractor starter

Ted in NE-OH · May 5, 2020

I am working on a Delco Reme starter and had the armature out, what are some tips for holding the four brushes out while I insert the armature. I don't have enough hands to hold all four brushes out at the same time.

rustred · May 5, 2020

u use a pick and use the spring to hold the brushes out. the once armature is in you just use the pick to set spring back on top the brushes.

matthies · May 5, 2020

Set the nose cone in a vise with the armature standing up, set the field housing down and over the armature resting the brushes on the armature and slowly working the brushes out and over the end of the armature. Or find a bushing/socket a little bigger than the end of the armature, and when sliding the housing down push the socket out with the armature.

J Hamilton · May 5, 2020

I've heard people using a piece of card stock paper wrapped in a cone shape around it to push the brushes out when installing.

used red MN · May 6, 2020

The first technique mattheis gave is how I do it. Those brush systems in Delco starters are pretty robust, just pivot them out one at a time onto the commutator surface. The socket or tube idea would probably work okay, just to much effort for me when the other way works so well. The suggestion rustred gave you does not apply to most Delcos maybe real old ones. The type he is talking about slide in a square pocket for lack of a better term. Ford and Chrysler more commonly have those type. And mostly speaking from experience on equipment prior to 1995 models.

Steve@Advance · May 6, 2020

I just pull them back one at a time, hook them on the thrust washer, then whichever one will hook the edge of the commutator, then the next and the next...

Once all are started just slide the armature in the rest of the way.

Ted in NE-OH · May 6, 2020

Thanks, Guys

Mike M · May 6, 2020

Depends on what type it has ? The ones where the brush is in a metal holder that surrounds it you can lift the spring up and pull the brush up and the spring will now push on the side of the brush and hold them. Once all together then you can lift the spring up and push them down. A heavy wire with a hook on the end works good to pull the springs.
Small ones with the brushes coming in from the end a couple of hacksaw blades you can hold them in place some as you go together. The ones with flat springs and plastic brush holder you can usually just reach in as you go together and get them started as there is some slop in the holders and pins.

Tractor starter

Ted in NE-OH

Well-known Member

rustred

Well-known Member

matthies

Well-known Member

J Hamilton

Well-known Member

used red MN

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Ted in NE-OH

Well-known Member

Mike M

Well-known Member

Similar threads