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Early 46 Starter Issues

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by ITLKSEZ, Dec 11, 2019.

  1. Dec 11, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    My dad has been having issues with his starter. He says the commutator is completely worn down to nothing, and new replacement starters he’s tried aren’t engaging the same and are “junk.” He said the starter gear on the replacements are only 1/2” to 5/8” long, and they don’t sound like they’re engaging correctly. His gear is 7/8” long. He’s worried (paranoid?) about flywheel damage from poor engagement.

    His old one is still working, but barely.

    6v, 9 tooth

    Two questions:

    1. If he can find a shop locally who will work on it, are commutators replaceable?

    2. Is there another option?
     
  2. Dec 11, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    Commutators can be turned down and re-trued on a lathe, and then the insulation between sectors is undercut slightly, with something like a piece of hacksaw blade. Used to be commonplace to do this. Any machinist should be able to do it, if the commutator is not totally destroyed already.
     
  3. Dec 11, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
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    It’s beyond that. The copper is worn through in spots.
     
  4. Dec 11, 2019
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    May 30, 2006
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    1,918
    does the old bendix fit the new motor?
     
  5. Dec 11, 2019
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2014
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    If he is running 12v there are bolt in gear reduction starters available.
     
  6. Dec 11, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
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    I asked him that. :banghead: Round and round we went. He’s so in love with the old one, he just wants it to work again the way it’s always worked.

    Dealing with my parents.... there are reasons why I moved 2600 miles away.
     
  7. Dec 11, 2019
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
    Joined:
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    Yep.
     
  8. Dec 11, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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  9. Jan 15, 2020
    IRQVET

    IRQVET Bubbaification Exorcist

    Tallahassee, FL.
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    Feb 5, 2015
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    680
  10. Jan 15, 2020
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Prestolite was always proud of their parts even way back in the 70's when I had a rebuilding business.
     
    IRQVET likes this.
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