Cleaning, Inspection, and Testing Procedure

NOTE: Do not use grease dissolving solvents for cleaning the overrunning clutch or armature. Solvents dissolve the grease packed in the clutch and damage the armature and the field coil insulation.

1. Clean all starter motor parts, wiping dry with a clean shop cloth.
2. Test the starter pinion:
^ Inspect the action: the pinion should turn freely in the overrunning direction.
^ Inspect the teeth for any chips, cracks, or excessive wear:
- Badly chipped teeth may indicate chipped flex plate teeth.
- Replace the plate as needed.
^ Clean the pinion, but do not lubricate.
3. Inspect the armature commutator:
^ Clean as needed using a 400 grit polishing cloth.
^ Machine the commutator surface if the surface is rough.

Specification
Commutator diameter (min.): 31.20 mm (1.228 in).

^ Inspect the points where the conductors join the commutator bars in order to ensure proper connections. (A burned commutator bar is usually evidence of a poor connection.)
4. Inspect the brushes and the brush holders:
^ Inspect the brush length.

Specification
Brush length (min.): 8.00 mm (0.315 in)

Replace as needed.
^ Inspect that the brush holders are clean and the brushes are not binding in the holders.
^ Inspect the brush spring contact between the brushes and the commutator. Replace the springs if distorted or discolored.
5. Test the armature for shorts:
^ Place the armature on a growler.
^ Hold a hacksaw over the core while rotating the armature.
^ If the saw blade vibrates, the armature is shorted and must be replaced.
6. Test the armature winding for a short to ground:
^ Hold self powered test light probes to the core and the corresponding commutator lamination.
^ If the test lamp lights, replace the armature.




7. Test the brush holder (1) for a short:
^ Using a self powered test light, hold the probes on the negative and positive brush holders.
^ If the test lamp lights, replace the brush holder.