Re: Starter won't crank

Posted by Tim Cole On 2011/12/29 19:25:24

Dear Gearrat:

It sounds like you want to try to fix the thing if possible and so lets go through a few garage style methods:

a) Go to Radio-Shack, Wal-mart, the hardware store or whatever and buy a cheap multi-meter.

b) Take the brushes out.

c) Now check the fields for short to ground (case) and for continuity between the brush side and the post side.

d) Next set the multi-meter to DC voltage and connect the leads to the post side and the brush side of the field circuit. Next while holding a screwdriver near the pole shoe momentarily apply battery voltage to the field leads.
The screwdriver should reflect strong magnetism and you should see a voltage show up on the meter. If you get nothing but battery voltage on the meter, the fields are open. If you get nothing but low voltage the fields are shorted to voltage. Either case will require some professional help.

e) Next, take the multi-meter and test the armature circuits for continuity and shorts. You should find continuity between opposing bars on the armature. Next test for continuity between adjacent bars. If you find that you have some then the armature is shorted.

f) next are the brushes. Test the brush plate for shorts and also replace the brushes if they are worn. Once I handled a Packard Twin Six where the problem was a loose wire in the brush. I fixed it with metallic epoxy.

g) If you want your armature professionally tested, call around to find a place that has an "armature growler". they can drop your baby in that thing and test it for shorts.

h) Finally, put the unit together without brushes and test for shorts between the armature and case and also that it spins free without hitting anything.

Hope this helps and don't hesitate to contact a library for a manual on same.