DIY: How to Rebuild a Starter Motor

[@twizzy8783]

this definitely is a lot of work but for people who have older cars with no replacement parts in production anymore, this is amazing content. Thx

[@4DIYers]

Thank you! I've heard some older vehicles no longer have replacement parts available. I prefer the older stuff over new vehicles.

[@gsp911]

I have a Mercedes R-class, it's around $1800-$2000 for a starter replacement. That's why i'm here. 🙂 It will be worth it if I can make it myself.

[@JulesBartow]

I love your work surface. Nothing rolls away. You've done this before; I can tell. No "uhs", "ums", or "like, you know" pauses. Obviously a professional and the standard for DIY videos.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words, I appreciate the support!

[@anthonypeters1797]

It’s voice over...

[@bobbysboatworld6234]

Teaching us some lost skills the new generation isn't learning! Thank you, very thorough!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@screwdajuice]

the price of starters is so low that these skills are literally not needed if not in a ditch

[@mikaylagalley]

Precisely, I recall it being common knowledge for the generation before me to all know how to rebuild a starter

[@blackforest1484]

@@screwdajuice After market starter is not better compare with oem starter. Less torque plus worst built quality.

[@greenland2854]

I have seen many alternator/starter motor overhaul. This is by far the most confident inspired one, for amateurs and the like. Vdo and detailed descriptions is clear and on the spot. For 8 yr-old clip, it still does work very well today. Thank you so much and again, great work!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words and feedback, I really appreciate it!

[@carmellabe]

I was taught how to rebuild starters ,generators and some water pumps years ago when I was a teenager.you are on target when it comes to mechanical skills. Am now 77 years young keep up the good work .

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much :) I've learned a lot of the older ways, even repairing parts when possible instead of replacing and testing things before replacing. My dad is a licensed mechanic, but long retired now, so I've grown up around the stuff.

[@tallyjra]

4DIYers should get a PhD degree I'm just blown away thank you for great tutorial video. And look 43 thumbs down because they are jealous of him teaching people to save money. Probably they are mechanics, their secret is exposed.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words, greatly appreciated :) Yeah I've had some professionals throw verbally written attacks at me before. I hate seeing people get ripped off so I like to be as informative as possible regardless of someone's skill level.

[@flyintime6320]

My 1st time watching one of your videos and I'm speechless except to endorse the positive reviewers' collective comments. 🔧👍👍🏆 This is a top-notch instructional video I believe any young person could follow very easily. Thanks for all the prep which obviously went into this A#1 video! PS - I've owned 50+ "back lot" cars and maintained them all. Started turning wrenches (and re-arranging pistols and con rods 😬) with my Dad at eight years of age. (He had already marked rods & pistols - so no lost sleep, there 😂)

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words and feedback :)

[@d.westphal13]

Amazing level of concise detail in this video. Shared it with the Miata community!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words and support!

[@brapamaldi]

thnaks so much for making this video! 4 years down the track and people are still being helped by it. top work! ive been having intermittent starting issues for a couple of years and finally pulled the starter today. i figure that it needs replacing anyway so i may as well have a go at fixing it. this video may well help prevent me being bent over and getting a raw deal at the auto shop, haha. i feel confident that i'll be able to pinpoint the problem and possibly even fix it thanks to your efforts. very much appreciated!

[@4DIYers]

No problem, glad I could help and thank you for the feedback!

[@brapamaldi]

@@4DIYers no probs. found out the starter is fine, but the solenoid will need replacing when I can find one at a reasonable price. saved me paying an auto-electrician more than i can afford to do a simple fault tracking task. cheers

[@HECOM1]

Thank you for your video! Saved me a truckload of money rebuilding a BMW starter import from Italy. !!! KUDOS!! Great VID! PRO!

[@4DIYers]

Awesome to hear and thank you for the feedback :)

[@Symek92]

Incredible quality content, thanks! Will try to restore mine this week ;)

[@doittoit9103]

Absolutely love the video, very descriptive and to the point. Just rebuilt my 93 Toyota pickup and my starter solenoid isn't engaging. I will use what I have learned here to fix / diagnose the issue. Thanks!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words and happy to help!

[@pigseye2]

Another great video with awesome camera work and amazing narration. You really know how to show and explain things. Fantastic job and thank you!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much :)

[@troymcclellen2851]

How and where do you find either the bushings or the size of the bushings, without having the starter off of the vehicle?

[@wmwinkle]

Great video. No bull or wasted time. I'm an old "shade tree" mechanic. The piece of the railroad tie looks familiar. Great Job.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the feedback :)

[@johnmedhurst1581]

Very good indeed. Packed with hard technical information and good practical advice. Can't fault it - strongly recommended.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the feedback, greatly appreciated :)

[@MrRonluker]

Incredibly detailed video on how to rebuild and test a starter with solenoid. I will apply what I've learned here to a Delco Remy tractor starter with a slow crank. problem.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@carmellabe]

A Slow crank usually indicates bad brushes or weak battery.

[@zheneggmobile]

can you link or recommend a source or sources for the parts needed? at best i have only been able to find the solenoid and brush sets.

[@poesypoet]

Great job on the video very well edited and narrated straight to the point and every point covered. You have a sub and I liked it as well.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words and support!

[@ncyankee101]

I accidentally found an easy way to get that end cap bushing out. I read a hint somewhere to screw a tap through the bushing to the bottom and push it out. The ID was about 12.5 mm so I bought a 14 mm tap (thinking a 13 mm wouldn't get enough bite to pull it put and just end up shaving some off. The 14 mm wouldn't quite start by itself so I tried to open up the top a little with a 1/2" bit. The drill pulled the sucker right out. Might not work every time but heating up the outside of the end cap might increase the odds. My kit came with new brass bushings for the reduction gears but the originals were steel and didn't seem to be worn at all.

[@lanazaakat9466]

Finally, you should have shown how to test it using a battery.

[@steve4bees935]

Where do you purchase replacement components for the starter, I doubt that either autozone or O'rielies will have these

[@carmellabe]

Napa Auto parts

[@geezerhull]

@@carmellabe thank you!

[@sand0077]

Very informational video. A question: with the starter out of the vehicle, I've placed one probe of the multimeter on the 's' trigger terminal on the solenoid and the other probe on the case of the motor and I'm seeing continuity. Doing the same test with the braided wire that connects to the starter and the starter motor case I'm also seeing continuity. Does this indicate a short?

[@4DIYers]

Thank you. From what I'm understanding, that should be correct. That braided bare wire is a ground.

[@Himoutdoors]

Where do you buy these brush sets from? I have a starter motor from a Honda mower engine GXV340 Which I’d like to rebuild. Any ideas?

[@chriso2385]

Great video, however I’ll pay the $200 for a new starter, this is a lot of work!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@chrpchr1christodoulou476]

Very good job. Congratulations.

[@ProctorSilex]

It's helpful for expensive and irreplaceable starters like antiques.

[@Blake_Guajardo]

Its 4diyers not sissy boys

[@bivensrk]

Agreed on both counts! Going a step further, looks like lots of work AND a non-working vehicle while that starter is not 100%. I like to gauge time based how long professionals take on something. If it looks like they're taking an hour+, I factor in probably 2 (or more) hours for me to do the same thing. However, maybe buying a new one AND still taking the old one part, just for curiosity's sake.. hmmm

[@larryleisuresuit9584]

Nice, Now I need to find parts, I am guessing that there are specific brush sets for specific starters since they come in so many different diameters. This job doesn't seem like its going to be too much fun to hunt down parts. Grr.

[@blackforest1484]

You can use all bigger brush on the market. Just make it same size as car starter needed.

[@TheGeno3000]

4DIYERS How do you determine what part numbers you need and where do you order them from?

[@4DIYers]

If you have a local starter/alternator rebuilder, they'll be able to tell you the required parts. That's what I did.

[@Tien1million]

@@4DIYers Hmm nothing like that around here, not that I know of.

[@qrs_tuv1925]

Excellent. If the background surface was white to contrast with the darker grey of the starter, visuals would be sharper. Any way I will rewatch on monitor rather than tiny iPhone. Thanks so much.

[@n8ander]

What brand ratchet is that? I love that the pawl switch rotates as you wrench. My craftsman always has a tendency to change directions if I’m holding the head in my palm.

[@4DIYers]

Mastercraft, they're quite old. They were replaced under warranty about 15yrs ago, only available at Canadian Tire as far as I know. Not sure if they even still make them like this. They did have a full rotational top. But I have noticed these can switch direction the odd time too if I'm working in a tight area with one hand on the top of the ratchet. Sometimes the switch can catch up on my gloves.

[@n8ander]

4DIYers thanks. I’ll check eBay. I’d like to give one a try.

[@ncyankee101]

I assume those dimples in the armature were orignally all the way around, and the sloppy end cap bushing caused uneven wear. I pulled apart two old Mitsuba starters from two different Civics (both failed at about the same mileage) and both looked like this, although one had a couple more dimples on the end toward the cap. (I used that one).

[@frundlemud]

Good solid refurbishment.

[@foryourccreations]

nice 1 cheers nice to c a rebuild without the exact tools thx

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@sinuhegarcia9012]

Your videos are so well done to perfection ! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words.

[@emanence5]

Great video as always, can you post the powerfist sand/media blaster part number, thanks

[@4DIYers]

I'll grab the part number and even post some better photos of the sand blaster on my Facebook page.

[@walterdonner8073]

Thanks - just got my starter disassembled and cleaned following your instructions. Super clear and helpful. Wondering what grease you used? I've got SuperLube and Valvoline General purpose grease laying around - the SuperLube indicates a higher temp threshold than the Valvoline but I'm not sure if it's suitable for this job. Thoughts?

[@4DIYers]

As long as it's good for bearings, than it should be fine.

[@kostastsa]

Can I slightly increase the power of a tractor starter??? and how;; it is a Lucas brand with a Perkins 65 hp engine

[@train4905]

It helped me out loads. Very clear and precise and methodical.keep up the great work and videos.av just subbed.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words and support :)

[@Ghosteriz]

Hello bro, I wonder are you familiar with Mitsubishi type starter? Its originally have 2 plain flat washer which are a thicker and a thinner one all places at the top of the armature before I pull the end cap out ,after I put them back to where they should be and lock the screws up and the starter wont spin at all, the gear clutch engaged but no rotation, I think it's the washer got stuck or short circuit somewhere(but I couldn't find any burn marks) But I want to hear an expert advices before I do anything.

[@brandonjay5146]

Saved to my tutorial playlist very good job my friend truely appreciate your effort and teachings if I have to wack my electrial solenoid to start the car when its hot im noticing that's typically the solenoid yeah? 02 taurusmy moms ride

[@brandonjay5146]

Icant believe more people don't do this 90% of starters I see as cores are in perfect condition likely one 5$ part is all is needed thats why they make sure to get that core from you what a scam props man in a scandalous money motivated world you helped many less well off ppl

[@4DIYers]

Thank you, always happy to help :) Sounds like an issue with the solenoid or sticking linkage. You'll need to take it out anyway so it's probably a good idea to check it over just to be safe.

[@speck213]

Awesome video, very informative, subbed.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the support and feedback!

[@neilwilliams5814]

Is this possible with a starter on a 2006 Impala LT 3.9 automatic or, is it different? Awesome video. Thanks a lot.

[@OtherDalfite]

Almost all starters have a similar construction

[@train4905]

An absolutely superb video sir well done.

[@cheonglam8187]

The Almighty God bless you. Such a kind man. TQ

[@4DIYers]

Thank you, always happy to help :)

[@MrCnAZ]

Excellent video. Thank you very much.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@stvhwrd]

Outstanding video! Thank you! Liked and subscribed.

[@4DIYers]

Awesome to hear and thank you so much for the support :)

[@maxwells8096]

Where would you recommend a person to search for parts

[@4DIYers]

Online or a local starter/alternator rebuilder.

[@audelmacias7271]

thanks cor this vídeo sólo clear and Nice bit can i así you where can i bit tve new brushes

[@camerong9175]

How do I repair a broken POS pole on the starter motor ? Fix broken off pos wire inside starter motor for old f100 motor I think

[@audelmacias7271]

sorry i was trying ask you where could i buy the brushes for a suburban

[@GaryHamby-rt4ph]

I Lost the Metal Ball. Does anyone know the Size of the ball I am Thinking somewhere between 4mm to 5mm whixh is correct?

[@k-pax615]

4DIYers I was wondering if you could help me, I have a 1955 John Deere tractor, the parts for the starter are available but the starter is not. It has been left to be obsolete. My problem is when I take the starter cover cylinder off, and look inside the starter cylinder, it has the four little nomex (I presume) covered pads on the inside. The nomex has worn thru so, do these four pads need the nomex to shield from shorting out? I have not been able to get the starter to work and I have installed a replacement spring and brushes kit.

[@thomaskumpf8912]

Looks like you are referring to the field coils. Those should be available. Changing those will make a gigantic difference, especially if it's a 6 volt system. It's often why people change to 12 volt, which is a big mistake long term and can damage the starter drive and nose cone.

[@r.d.ontheroad-1094]

Very good vid, except for one thing, the fiber washer between the armature and the brushes, being put on. Thanks,

[@josedasilva8924]

Excellent, thank you very much.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@brasildocara]

Little help please =D Do the starter motors planetary box have any mechanism to avoid reverse spin? or there is some mechanisms to avoid reverse spin?

[@4DIYers]

Yes there is, I have explained it in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ7al6F7pZuGZq8

[@brasildocara]

4DIYers ...ok an overdrive clutch that provides torque in one direction and free-wheeling in the other direction, Right? ok Thanks =D

[@christophergreen6980]

My vehicles starter works fine sometimes and then other times it gets very lazy almost like it's sticky. What could be the problem? Does it just need a good clean and brushes? A new battery was fitted so that's not the problem.

[@williamallen7836]

It could very well be the cable that runs from the battery to the starter. This cable should all ways be tested when replacing the battery. As well as the ground cable. These can lead to the symptoms you described if the ends are corroded, or damaged. It can even stress your battery, or just not charge it well leading you to replace the battery. If the ends ware the copper strands are oil soaked this can cause problems with the cables over time. Also another source for this type of symptom is the solinoid. If it is startering to go week it will not all ways make a good contact reducing the amount amperage to the starter occasionaly. Also I have had the plastic cap ware the wires connect to the starter develop a crack near ware the main battery connects. This allows that stud to move and some times not make a good contact. I hope this helps track down the source of your trouble.

[@garylcarrier]

Excellent video!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you very much!

[@kevinclifford2637]

Very good video....thank you

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@wildbillcarroll]

When doing multiple trips at different stores I noticed that the starter turns over slowly but starts the car, or driving for an hour stop the engine and then start the engine starter turns slowly what can cause this? I have a new battery and the battery test out ok.

[@4DIYers]

Have you cleaned the battery clamps? That could be the cause, but there is a good chance the starter is on it's way out. The armature and brushes will wear out eventually, not providing a sufficient contact for the motor to turn quick enough when starting the engine. Here is my troubleshooting video as well kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=E1nlbeXtVmQ

[@danielaldridge2791]

What is broken if the starter isn't spinning

[@4DIYers]

The first thing to check is if the starter is getting power and has a proper ground. Next would be checking if the starter is spinning freely.

[@le0nida525]

Awesome work

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@neilwilliams5814]

2006 Impala LT 3.9 automatic. No crank no start. All accessories work when key is turned to run position but starter will not run. New battery and cables, all fuses and relays work properly. There is power from the ignition switch to the starter and engine is not locked up. Starter will run off the car but, not on the car. Could you please help a senior citizen out. GOD bless and thank you so much for your video.

[@carmellabe]

Check the neutral safety switch location near shift lever

[@jorgetoloza269]

Thank u for this video, I opened 3 other videos , I think the u tubers were handicapped (mute)....not a single word,, wasted 40 mins of u tube...thank u again....

[@4DIYers]

No problem and thank you for the feedback!

[@1984juant]

man this is a great channel. can we have some of your background?

[@gulabkeerio1930]

good job

[@4DIYers]

Thanks!

[@jasonlight4982]

Where do you get parts

[@4DIYers]

Local rebuilder for starter motors.

[@juneauguis6243]

thank you very much, it helps a lot sir

[@jim2329]

where did you find the rebuild kit?

[@4DIYers]

Local alternator rebuilding shop.

[@robertschuster7246]

High quality video thx

[@4DIYers]

Thank you, I really appreciate it :)

[@farid7968]

well done

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@sunshine1acid]

Where did you order new parts for it?

[@4DIYers]

From a local starter rebuilder, they had the brushes in stock.

[@martinw9425]

canadian hey? mastercraft and princess auto tools,,,,,very good information and thank not to put loud music

[@4DIYers]

Yep Canadian! Thank you, I appreciate the kind words :)

[@Cutlerylover4life1]

very cool, that refurbished factory one would probably last longer than a non-oem Chinese replacement

[@4DIYers]

Thank you! I've definitely been hearing a fair amount of issues with Chinese made water pumps and wheel bearings. Some only last a couple months.

[@alanchou8978]

I can not say the Chinese replacement parts are good enough, but you know what, a big amount of OEM Starter motor were also manufactured in China. Aftermarket is very complex, don't take cheap one, do smart choice.

[@4DIYers]

Alan Chou Yep, it definitely depends on quality control. The cheap aftermarket units you have to worry about coatings, tolerances, and the quality of metals though.

[@_m.a-x]

Just WOW!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@Antipropaganda71]

good job keep it up

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@jimthompson7370]

Oh well....I guess 4DIYers don't check this page much. I have a similar starter. I just don't see how to separate the commutator from the brush assembly. The video goes right past that part. I see the brushes are worn down, just need that part replaced.

[@4DIYers]

An FYI, I get dozens of comments a day and I don't sit beside my computer 24/7. Not one person is more important than the other, replies are done in chronological order. You're requesting free information which you'd typically pay for and sadly not everyone is appreciative of such a service. Once in a while it's nice to hear a thank you when I take time to help troubleshoot a question instead of kicking up a fuse when I don't reply immediately.

[@jimthompson7370]

You know how sometimes a person asks a question, and then they get a response like 3 weeks later? I posted again to make sure it was understood I needed this info, and couldn't wait that long. I have the starter out of the car, and need to get it back on the road asap. The starter requires more urgency than some of the other repairs, because the car can't be driven at all. If I came off as overly aggressive, it wasn't my intention. Like I stated in the previous post, I took the part to an auto shop and they helped me out. I've done that several times before, and no mechanic ever wanted to charge me for info. The local auto shops don't mind sharing knowledge for a question about a part. I do know that many people take what you're doing for granted. But make no mistake, you taking the time to post this video is definitely appreciated.

[@eddiejohnhurst1]

LOVE THE VIDEO

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@sagerr735]

Good video

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@AdiWeld]

hi my friend your channel is wery felpfull i like it ,like from me and have a nice day

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@bipolarbearpancub8857]

Ok so am not a pro by any means but I recently serviced my starter (before discovering this video) and after I reinstalled it and started her up, I heard a loud pop so I instantly shut it off and searched around the engine compartment for any sign of breakage. After a thorough search I concluded it all looked good and attempted to start it back up and... nothing. Didn't even try to turn over. So after checking all the fuses and wiring a took apart my starter to see if I missed something and this is what I found. Anyone know if my ignorance is what caused this mess or if there's something I missing here. Never seen a starter implode before. Here's a little slideshow so you can see what I mean... kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5bMmGV-nNhnr9k

[@4DIYers]

Sounds like the bendix assembly or the gear stuck, so the starter never disengaged after the engine started. It spun too fast and flew apart. Hopefully it didn't cause any other damage.

[@bipolarbearpancub8857]

4DIYers Well just picked one off another rig at the junkyard, broke down and cleaned using your video as a reference. So fingers crossed when i drop the new refuebished one in i dont have a repeat or worse yet, other parts to repair/replace additionally. Thanks for the video 95% effective, theres just one detail that realistically still has me puzzled. Unfortunately your ranger didnt gave this component on it's starter so im wingin it... Will post update good or bad in the next couple days. Till then...

[@uk-vd4dd]

Tq bro keep it up

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@mikahandony7797]

my starter is from the 1900's not sure with year, i managed to fix it, but this starter is different from this videos, lol, thx for the video anyways...

[@mrthomas7511]

I don't know if my brain could function properly enough for a rebuild

[@tristinsway4217]

How much grease do you put on the 3 planetary torque gears & needle bearings You never said & you never named the grease either!

[@4DIYers]

It's a high compression grease, same as what is used for bearings. Ensure the gears are sufficiently covered, do not overpack the area though.

[@itec5260]

time wise sounds like it us cheaper to buy a new one.

[@williamallen7836]

Not realy. Many of the rebuilt replacements are done so fairly cheaply over seas. I normaly end up having to replace these far sooner then I should. A factory new starter will cost even more. Plus the process is rather straight forward and if you have experience doing similar stuff you can do it in a rather short peroid of time. You first time will all ways take a little extra time, but if a friend or family member needs similar help you can help provide them a great service while saving them a lot of money as wll.

[@halo3fizz]

DO NOT LOSE IT!

[@RangeRover1-qj7iv]

Ha ha heee said to grease the shaft and push it in place !

[@4DIYers]

It's always better with lube lol.

[@pyroboy1080service]

Hi ToT

[@MrEarthwaterwind]

There are way too many minute details to keep in mind for this one. Better to just get a used part and sell it off on ebay if it wasn't the problem part. This is way too much work. Am I the only one feeling this way?

[@4DIYers]

First time rebuilding it yourself will be the hardest, after that it gets easier. I do have a video on troubleshooting a faulty starter as well so you don't end up just throwing money at an issue.

[@screwdajuice]

just pay the 100 bucks and get a new one, larry

[@kleenmaint]

Damn! Yeah it makes me appreciate how cheap some of these rebuilds are. Hope the one I bought is done even halfway right. lol

[@gengartravels]

superb video, excellent quality of work

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much!

[@thebretternator728]

very helpful video. Thanks a lot

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)