Re: 1938 Super 8 1605 - adventures with a newbie

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/5/10 8:20:14

That starter probably does need a complete rebuild. I would want to find out what the original diameter of the commutator was. Yours looks undersized to me, like it might have been cut down several times. You may need a new or better used armature to get proper brush contact with the commutator.

A really good starter will perform well and last a very long time if it is not abused.

Some types of starter abuse include:

Using a battery that is undersized, in poor condition, or chronically undercharged.

Using battery cables that are undersize or in poor condition.


Beyond that, operating the starter for more than 10 to 15 seconds at a time is harmful.

The engine should start immediately, and if it does not, don't continue cranking for more than 10 to 15 seconds without allowing the starter to rest for a minute to allow time for heat to dissipate.

Keep the engine in tune and in good condition so that it will start quickly and keep running once it is started. The distributor needs to be timed correctly and the automatic advance needs to work correctly.

Carburetor, choke, and manifold heat all need to work properly.

Using 12 volts on a 6 volt starter is abusive.


Junky starters are hard on batteries, too.