> I am reassembling a project from boxes. I have a starter that I plan to use
> in 68 2000. Is there an easy way to bench test the starter to see if it is
> any good??
Bob,
I'd confirm the starter at least spins!
While wearing boots, I will step down on the starter holding
it against the garage floor. Battery cable hooked up from the
mounting ear to "-" side of the battery. Positive cable hooked
up to were the power is normally supplied.
With a "remote starter" between the "+" terminal and 1/4" spade
connection on the stator solenoid, depress the remote starter
button. You should see the pinion gear slide forward, and hear
the starter "whirrrrlllll". Don't let the starter run more than
a few seconds in this unloaded condition.
Ma Roadster (Suze), who hasn't been on this list in years, would
clamp the starter down on her bench, and lift a long piece of
2x4 board into the starter teeth. This was the "load test" she
did. Yes, wood splinters every where!
When the starter brushes get towards the end of their life
you'll discover a slow cranking starter. There are four brushes.
Two positive, two negative. Typically one will fail first, so
rather than having TWO sets of windings to spin the motor,
you only have ONE set of windings energized. Slow spin, but
sometimes a jumped battery seems to start it right up. Battery
is fine, just the jump helped raise the voltage momentarily!
With the starter out, I will remove the back cover, and inspect
the brushes. Typically I can buy four brushes from a rebuild
place for $4 total. Cheap insurance to replace them, and inspect
everything else. Oh, Nissan wants something like $14 each for
brushes, OUCH!
Also while everything is out, check the bolt threads into the
bell housing. It is easy to strip the aluminum threads out, and
usually I'll install stainless steel inserts while I have the
starter out. Little things that make life easier.
Cheers,
Tom Walter
Austin, TX
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