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STARTER OVERHAUL

Brush Replacement

NOTE: Brush replacement requires a soldering gun or iron and the ability to use it effectively and neatly.

  1. Remove the starter from the vehicle as previously described.
  2. Remove the M terminal nut, and disconnect the field coil (large) wire at the solenoid.
  3. Remove the two through-bolts and two Phillips screws from the rear starter bracket. Remove the rear bracket.

    Fig. 1: The rear bracket is secured by bolts and screws

    Fig. 2: Note that the solder is flush with the outer surface. Any overflow can cause binding when the brush is installed

  4. Pry the retaining springs back, slide the two brushes out of the brush holder and pull the brush holder off of the rear of the starter.
  5. Inspect the brushes for excess wear. There is a manufacturer's symbol (usually the Mitsubishi diamonds) stamped on the side of each. If the brush is worn to the bottom of the emblem it should be replaced.
  6. To replace the brush, it must be crushed with a pair of pliers to crack it where the wiring pigtail passes through the brush. Be careful not to damage the wiring pigtail in doing this. Use sandpaper to sand the end of the pigtail smooth. Also sand the outer surface of the last 0.25 in. (6mm) or so of the pigtail wire until it is bright and free of corrosion.

    To install:

  7. Insert the pigtail into the hole in the new brush until the flat end of the pigtail just reaches the opposite end of the hole in the brush. Insert the wire from the unmarked side of the brush. The brush and pigtail must be brought to just the right temperature for the solder to run in between the brush and pigtail. Make sure solder does not get onto the outer surface of the brush, as this could cause it to bind in the brush holder later.
  8. Install the brushes into the holders.
  9. Assemble the rear case of the starter and install bolts and screws. Connect the field coil wire to the M terminal of the solenoid.
  10. Reinstall the starter.
Drive Replacement

The starter drive may need to be replaced if the starter motor turns but does not engage properly. If, in removing the drive, damage to the starter pinion gear is noted, the flywheel ring gear should also be inspected. If there is significant damage to the ring gear, the flywheel will have to be replaced, too.

When diagnosing apparent starter problems, test the battery first. A low battery or weak connections can prevent the required amount of current from getting to the starter motor. Also check the solenoid before condemning the starter drive itself; a solenoid that does not engage properly may cause the same symptoms.

DIRECT DRIVE STARTER
  1. Remove the starter and remove the solenoid.
  2. Remove the 2 through-bolts and 2 screws from the rear bracket. Remove the rear bracket.
  3. Pry back the retaining rings and slide the 2 brushes out of the brush holder. Remove the brush holder and the yoke assembly.
  4. Remove the washer from the rear of the armature. Remove the field coil assembly from the front frame. Remove the spring retainer, spring, and spring seat from the starter front frame.
  5. Separate the armature from the front bracket by first pulling the armature back out of the front bearing and then shifting the armature so the starter drive is pulled out of the yoke. Make sure you don't lose the washer located in the front frame.
  6. Invert the armature so the starter drive is on top and rest the rear of the armature on a solid surface. Use a deep well socket wrench that is just slightly larger than the diameter of the armature shaft to press the snap-ring collar back. Install the socket over the top of the shaft and then press it downward or tap it very lightly to force the ring downward. Once the snap-ring is exposed, use snap-ring pliers to open it until it will slide upward, out of the groove and off the shaft. Pull the starter drive and snap-ring collar upward and off the armature shaft.
  7. With the starter disassembled, do not immerse parts in cleaning solvent. The yoke and field coil assembly will be damaged. Wipe the parts with a clean cloth. The overrun clutch is packed with lubricant which will be washed out by any solvent or fluid.
  8. Use a micrometer or caliper to measure the diameter of the commutator. If below the limit, the commutator must be replaced.

    To install:

  9. Lightly coat the front of the armature shaft with high temperature grease. Install the starter drive, snap-ring collar, and snap-ring. Make sure the snap-ring seats in its groove. Then use a puller to pull the snap-ring collar up and over the snap-ring until the bottom of the collar touches the snap-ring.
  10. Place the washer in position in the front frame. Insert the armature through the lever and yoke. Make certain the armature is correctly seated in the bearing.
  11. Install the spring seat, spring and spring retainer.
  12. Install the field coil assembly to the front frame. Place the washer on the rear of the armature.
  13. Install the brush holder and yoke assemblies and install the brushes.
  14. Position the rear bracket and install the 2 screws and 2 through-bolts.
  15. Install the solenoid and connect the field coil wire.
REDUCTION GEAR STARTER
  1. Remove the starter from the vehicle as described above. Remove the solenoid.
  2. Remove the two through-bolts and two Phillips screws from the rear starter bracket. Remove the rear bracket.
  3. Pry the retaining springs back and slide the two brushes out of the brush holder. Pull the brush holder off the rear of the starter. Remove the field coil (yoke) assembly from the front frame. Remove the armature.
  4. Remove the pinion shaft end cover from the center frame. Measure the clearance between the spacer and center cover and record it. If the pinion shaft is replaced, you'll have to insert or subtract spacer washers until the clearance is the same as that recorded. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining clip and then remove the washers. Remove the retaining bolt and then separate the center frame from the front frame.
  5. Remove the spring retainer and spring for the yoke from the front frame. Then remove the washer, reduction gear, shift yoke lever, and two lever supports.
  6. Turn the front frame so the pinion gear is at the top and support it securely. Use a socket that fits tightly over the pinion shaft to force the snap-ring collar (stop ring) downward. Tap the socket lightly at the top or use a press to do this. Use a small prytool to work the snap-ring out of its groove and remove it from the shaft (a pair of small snapring pliers will make this procedure much easier). Remove the collar. Remove the pinion and the spring behind it from the shaft.

    Fig. 3: An exploded view of a direct drive starter

    Fig. 4: An exploded view of a reduction drive starter

    Fig. 5: Diesel engine starter is similar, but has more power

  7. Pull the lever and pinion shaft assembly out of the rear of the front frame. Replace the pinion if its teeth are damaged (check the flywheel ring gear as well). Replace the overrunning clutch if the pinion gear is damaged or if the one-way action of the clutch is not precise.
  8. Do not immerse parts in cleaning solvent. The yoke and field coil assembly will be damaged. Wipe the parts with a clean cloth. The overrun clutch is packed with lubricant which will be washed out by any solvent or fluid.
  9. Use a micrometer or caliper to measure the diameter of the commutator and compare to the specifications chart. If below the limit, the commutator must be replaced.

    To install:

  10. Lightly coat the front of the armature shaft with high temperature grease. Install the pinion shaft, spring, gear and stop ring. Install the snapring and use a puller to seat the stop ring over the snapring.
  11. Place the washer in position in the front frame. Insert the armature through the lever and yoke. Make certain the armature is correctly seated in the bearing.
  12. Install the lever and pinion shaft assembly with the reduction gear into the rear of the front frame. Make certain all the springs, spacers and washers are present and in the correct order. When the clearance is correct, install the cover and its small screw.
  13. Fit the center frame onto the shaft and install the washer and retaining clip. Note that the clearance must be corrected by changing the thickness or number of washers if the overrunning clutch and pinion shaft assembly have been replaced. Double check the clearance and install or remove shims as necessary.
  14. Install the armature into the yoke (field coil). Install the brush holder and install the brushes, making sure they are properly seated and do not bind in the holders.
  15. Install the rear bracket and the small screws. Assemble the motor to the drive and install the through-bolts.
  16. Install the solenoid and connect the field coil wire to the M terminal.
  17. Reinstall the starter.

    Fig. 6: Pressing back the snapring collar

    Fig. 7: Measuring commutator diameter — take measurements at 2 or 3 points and use smallest diameter as reference

    Fig. 8: Record the clearance at the rear of the pinion shaft before disassembly

    Fig. 9: Use a small puller to bring the stop ring over the snapring

    STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

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