Servicing/rebuild your starter motor

When most starters quit, they only need a clean-up of water or oil ingression and carbon dust deposits, their brushes and commutators are within specifications.
New starters cost hundreds $ and any parts could be hard to find. Servicing them with a bit of creativity could save you some money. Brushes could be somehow extended but the commutator segments have to be long enough. Brushes could be as short as 5.5mm not 55mm, my slip.
Do maintain electrical separation between the baseplate + housing + 2 bare wired brushes (ground side) and cable terminal + 2 insulated brushes + armature coil (battery positive terminal side).
Total service time on this starter: 1 hr

[@andrewjackson82]

2hrs trying to keep the bushes out of the way!! Took 5mins after watching this! Thanks.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching!

[@mauriceshand2523]

Same here

[@TomFenner]

Solved the no start issue on my 99 Acura CL 3.0 with 230K miles on it...probably go another 230K or so than I can do it again, PERFECT, can't thank you enough.

[@theoverengineer]

You`re welcome

[@OUTFXD]

okay, Blocking the brush springs to slide the armature back into the bushing is genius!

[@theoverengineer]

(hearted)

[@ramnathsubramanian1077]

You are absolutely bang on! I just removed my starter motor of my scooter today and tried cleaning it..Thank you very much for sharing!

[@LuckyCharms727]

found this video and decided to clean my starter first. sure enough there was a bunch of carbon in it. cleaned it out put it back together and started like a charm. thanks for the video!

[@robertfurman9315]

FYI, if you do want to replace brushes in a unit similar to the one in the video, is easiest to cut the copper lead of the brush you are replacing just long enough to solder the new brush to. That way you don't have to worry about brazing or spot welding it to the housing.

[@theoverengineer]

+Robert Furman Almost the same shown here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWLWqWV7jrOdqas

[@saluteromans]

Thanks mate, you just saved me about $200. I took my starter motor apart and found the brushes were stuck from a bit of rust. The starter motor has years of life left in it.

[@sdanville]

I just did this today and fixed my 1983 Suzuki GR650 starter ... I wasted money on a battery and a Solenoid, nice to have it confirmed it was just dirty. Nice Video. Thank you.

[@charlieross-BRM]

Your instructions are very clear and sensible. I'm very glad I bookmarked it just for the tip about placing metal clips to hold back the springs. My new base plate springs are so much stiffer - and with the new full length brushes I would have been in a lot of trouble getting the commutator in there.

[@theoverengineer]

Charlie Ross Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@sanathjay1]

The Demonstration is a very clear and simple set of guidelines which is supported with proper pictures.I am confident now I can do the servicing myself on my Honda Goldwing CG125. Excellent job-Congratulations

[@derekjackson9313]

I’ll be honest u saved me over 165$. I got a 13$ rebuild kit and it cranks over like no ones buisness thank you man!

[@theoverengineer]

Good on you, bro!

[@KyeC85]

Finally! A clear, concise, useful video of repairing a starter motor. I’m reasonably handy, but never done this particular repair before; this has made me much more confident. Thanks! I enjoyed your delivery too. 👌

[@theoverengineer]

Glad you liked it!

[@goldmancash]

High tech rotation indicator! I love it!!! Thanks for the top tip on the scrap metal!

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for the feedback. I say, brave the elements and open the starter, see what happens. People built it, people can fix it.

[@Mazomedia]

I was thinking about doing this on my own and after seeing this, I KNOW that I can do it. Awesome tutorial. Very rare that tehnicial stuff like this is so thorough. Well done!

[@goldiegoldpb5749]

It worked!!! I did it to my 2005 suzuki sv650 I never took out the plate with the brushes on it. IT STILL WORKED!!! THANKS MAN!

[@groovejet33]

wow this is old...but....really good video. my starter ticks then kicks in most of the time. i noticed its dirty and oily around the starter so hopefully ill try this. ford transit UK

[@faultymechanism]

I wish I would have watched this before I replaced my battery! great info, my starter works perfect now. Thanks so much for the video.

[@budz522]

July 5, 2013 THANK YOU VERY MUCH Sir! Because of your video i've decided to DIY my starter motor. And it works! now my van is running again. Thank you.

[@rancosteel]

Informative video. I know all about starters now. I also understand why they fail so easily especially in wet climates. Thanks for the upload.

[@eyecaptian01]

You are brilliant. Your skill and delivery gave me calm and confidence to keep after it. I have saved myself the expense and bother of another starter and solenoid for my Harley and learned to be more patient than ever. It took me five times to get it right but I went from a 557 pound paper weight to a rockin’ machine. My thanks, Jim

[@theoverengineer]

Wow, congrats, thanks for sharing!

[@F1_69]

for a novice like me...this video took the fear of rebuilding my starter motor right out of me...thanks!!!

[@AbaOfnoa]

Excellent work my friend, I have really learned a thing or two here.

[@barcusful]

Thank you for sharing. You just saved me a few quid. Guys like you make DIY maintenance possible. Really clear video and explanation. Cheers.

[@475freddie]

A lot of Information, super clear. I will do this tonight w/ my ATV HONDA RECON 250, Thank You a lot, Freddie from Bakersfield CA, You are a life saver. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@dickdazzler9838]

Great video. I feel like I can do this myself now. What seemed like a foreign, mysterious task is now clear and simple. Thanks mate!

[@kurtpena2773]

Such a cute little starter! Great demonstration video.

[@90TegTurbo]

Hi there,im over in the US and you can get the correct bearing and seals for anything you need from motorcycles to rollerskates.The bearing should have a group of numbers stamped into the side,most seals do too.If its from a Yamaha virago just tell the dealer the bearing number but it wont be cheap..price that is..that bearing serves many more purposes then being used only for a starter.You can also go online and just type in.. bearing then the number and bearing manufacturers will pop up....the plus side is they cost way less then if bought from a dealer.I've bought wheel bearings and seals for my 96 YZ250 dirtbike from Boca bearings i believe..was years ago,as long as you can read the number you can get the bearing/s for around $3-5..very cheap where dealers charge $15-25..rediculous.Your video was very good,easy to understand..you are a very good teacher and skilled mechanic.Thumbs up!

[@theoverengineer]

90TegTurbo Thanks for sharing and watching! (Some more bearing stories I shot earlier: What do bearing designation numbers mean? and Determine your bearing numbers (designation))

[@bg147]

Excellent video. Thanks. My grandpa would always repair his starter motors and alternators. He had a box or boxes of brushes, and probably an assortment of bearings. If he did not have the part, he would fabricate something on his lathe. Parts may have been easier to find back then. Today, we live in a replacement driven world... if your car gets old, replace it.... if your car needs a repair, replace it. It is cheaper for me to buy an entire electric razor than to buy just the screen. We are a very wasteful people.

[@theoverengineer]

Yup, nobody wants to stock screens or small parts. Not enough sales revenue to justify wages. I`m like your Grandpa, buy anew is the last resort. Thanks for watching.

[@lizzyjones8590]

bg14

[@WichoTraance]

Is better

[@grahamwoodwrad8743]

Fabricate bearings and brushes?

[@mortegi]

Brilliant video....My starter gave up on me....yes it was full of black carbon.....yes you are right a good clean out fixes.....im back on the road....thanks for the tips.

[@joncortez2574]

Thank you very much for you help. It was very detailed and informative. Keep up the good work, friend!

[@jujagthemag]

Good work. My bike is hard to start off and on. I'm beting the starter is original. I'm so excited now, to open and take a look. New battery, and my fuel pump is fine. It has to be the starter or sprag starter clutch. My bike is electric start, so it should start on first try. I believe it's dirty. Spark plugs were a mess, so I'm guessing the starter will be too. Thanks buddy!)

[@theoverengineer]

Glad to have helped you guys, thank you for your time and feedback.

[@peverill64]

I once too my to a shop out here...I watched the guy service it in shock...He used dirty clothes to wipe it and seemed to put more sand in it...A week later it didn't work again...This time I took it out myself and made sure it was very very clean before I put it back together....15 years later it is still working and never has been touched

[@theoverengineer]

:) wow. Yes, the difference between full failure and success is very thin indeed.Thanks for sharing.

[@peverill64]

theoverengineer spoke too soon. Had to service mine again. The carbon wall all worn down. I took it to an electrical shop and they did change it. Good as new now.

[@theoverengineer]

Home made carbon brush "fix": Service a starter motor: worn brushes

[@iambacktolifestartersalter7921]

Very educative & informative. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to DIY. Thanks so much.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for commenting!

[@Mal501]

Such a brilliantly simple and informative video - even waiting and checking for the camera focus on the close-ups - something so many others don't do. I have a rebuild kit for my Triumph Tiger starter - the early ones are known to give problems from ~40,000 km - but I wasn't sure I was game to attack it. I am now. :)

[@theoverengineer]

Cool! Glad you liked it.

[@AlchemistLair]

Just found your channel through this video. Awesome illustration of a starter rebuild!! I'm subbin'!!

[@matiii007]

Like an animal! I changed the brushes and cleaned everything up. The car starts like brand new. A 1981 toyota celica. Many thanks!

[@justyjust]

thank you mate, my transit connect starter was full of crap, never would have thought it could get that bad. brought some new bushes all done cheers

[@vatcheohanian2565]

Very creative! Nicely done! Thanks for sharing...

[@undergroundblu]

Thanks buddy! Saved me a lot of hassle. The tests i conducted were pretty dodgy so i wasn't entirely confident it was malfunctioning. But i gave her a clean and and hooked her up into a proper test and she worked!

[@stevemarcinkiewicz3938]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@TwooAutoParts]

u re very good at rebuild the starters. Thats nice.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching.

[@vetterfellow]

Excellent how to video. I learned a lot I didn't know. Thank you.

[@apanecas41]

awesome video and thank you for tanking the time to make it.

[@tomreyes4908]

Starter on my 84 nighthawk went out yesterday and when I opened it up it was full of dry carbon. I ordered a rebuild kit and should be putting it back together next week. Thanks for the tutorial

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching.

[@tomreyes4908]

@@theoverengineer i dont ride my bike much at all since last year, maybe 1000 miles.. Starter is giving me an issue and all the brushes are toast inside the starter. Will have to rebuild again. Can you tell me why the bushes went out so fast?

[@badwolffromcalijuanpablo4662]

Excellent video bruh!!! Totally used it to fix a completely rotten starter, saludos from Los Angeles!

[@theoverengineer]

I don`t think one exists. I just took it apart, cleaned out with a rag, put it back together and it worked. Sometimes I need a chunk of carbon brush, longer than the one I find inside the starter. Just get one from a corded drill, car starter or some such thing and make it fit. Could be free if you ask a parts guy nicely or under $5.

[@King-Frosch.]

Thanks thank you very much for this video it help me to clean my Starter. Excellent money saving tips

[@spurs0706]

Great vid. I now feel confident I can take apart, and clean the starter on my Kawasaki KZ 440 LTD. Thank you.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching.

[@Flashdogger]

Perfect this was exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks

[@cliffsnasdahl6434]

Complete and intelligent description...wonderful.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching!

[@theoverengineer]

I am late to respond, sorry, didn`t mean to be rude. I am working on a video response. In short: solution a) melt it out and solder in new brush. Solution b) since new brushes are unavailable, shorten old brush by hand sanding - easy to do- down to the wire braid, shape an add-on piece by sanding that fits nicely in the brush holder bracket. The old stub will push the add-on bit in front of it. When the add-on bit gets short in use, it will fall out the holder as it is just friction-fit.

[@512eweezy]

Man you saved me over a hundred dollars great video and thank you sooooo much im one step closer to getting my old 71 100 hp johnson running

[@mariagueli1357]

What an excellent instructional video. Thank you for the very clear presentation.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching!

[@GpunktHartman]

good Job man ... i did it in Germany for 20years now :-)

[@FerryDave]

Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@davreca]

This starter is different than mine but very similar. You saved me a lot of cash

[@adamlibusa]

Thank you for a very nice tutorial!

[@mudgrippmike3489]

very good video on starter cleaning and assembly.

[@theoverengineer]

Glad you liked it!

[@passmethewrench]

Outstandingly well done video. Excellent job. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching.

[@silo6media]

My Ninja 650R was making the classic 'static' noise upon attempting to start it and it completely lost power each time as well. Thinking it was battery, charger showed good charge and was done in about 5m. Pulled tank and starter. Just cleaned everything with rubbing alcohol and shop towel and dropped it back in. My beast started up like a champ. I think the starter was shorting across the numerous filaments that had built up ... as it totally killed the power to the bike on starting and it would take some time to wake back up. Same symptoms when shorting across the relay so I knew the relay wasn't the issue. Starter for my bike was like $60 so not that big a deal, but I DID get to clean up the internals again as an added plus. Good Luck All!!!

[@theoverengineer]

Hey! Good work!

[@matiii007]

Very helpful video. Just finished doing the same job on mine which failed to work, i'll have to wait to see the results!

[@thestar111]

Great video, I'm about to work on my VFR800 starter motor. This will help me. Thanks :)

[@MISSBMF666]

You make it look easy. Great vid :D

[@pcgneurotic2]

Brilliant guide, thank you very much! :)

[@CMCustom112]

Excellent breakdown. This helped alot.

[@yogendrarambharose5174]

Awesome video. My housing isn't in such good shape hopefully the internals will clean up.

[@animatedmammals]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[@chaseblu5274]

thanks for the vid just fixed my starter just needed to be cleaned.

[@MRTuning704]

you made a awesome video! keep it up!

[@dessiakab748]

Great explanation and video.Thank you..

[@korosys]

very good video! I have always wondered what it took to clean/repair a starter. the one in my car is 2 years old and isnt working. so i am goin to follow this and see what happens. thank you very much for this helpful video!

[@angeshdarsan8606]

Informative video and you sound like bane from batman

[@flyslideride]

nice job buddy. clear and concise.

[@theoverengineer]

That`s called the shaft. I lube it lightly with a grease of high melting point. But lubing it is not critical since the rotor spins maybe 10 times per start, stays clean and there is no weight on it. (In comparison to your wheel axle, which runs in punishing conditions, feels every bump and spins all the time)

[@theoverengineer]

Good idea, coming right up this weekend. Thanks.

[@michaelcrowley420]

Thanks for posting. Your video saved me money.

[@anamariagrey1]

i can't believe how smart u are...any chance i could just send u my starter and get it fixed...the video was amazing...!!!!

[@theoverengineer]

Good on you, bro`, glad to hear.

[@theoverengineer]

Glad to hear mate, no worries. Yup, most often all it needs is a good clean up.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for the credit, cheers! Your success is mostly due to your curiousity, your effort to find answers and some guts to undo 2-5 bolts and see what happens. Like I say in class, things don`t get done by staring at them, I am happy to see you empowered by your new skills.

[@dadrules714]

Thanks for the vid very infrmtv step by step. Was replacing trany in dodge 3.3. Haynes repair manl istr's me to remove canister bolts . BIG mistake(not only one I found). rotor came out. imposs to replace into brushes w/o taking it apart. hope I can get lower cover off (live in rust belt). Thought I ruined a perfectly good starter. thanks bro.

[@rso5454]

Great video overengineer!

[@czarli]

Thank you for posting, helped a lot!

[@djquack13]

That sucks! I replaced my starter two days ago. Now I know how easy it is to just clean it instead. $187 down the drain!

[@MrBobharrington]

Great video mine was playing up when car was at operating temp. Mechanic mate thought i was mad and should buy a new (cheap chinese one he suggested ..) i didnt want to give up on my old hitachi beast turns out it was full of carbon and just needed a good clean works like new now get another 300thousand out of it i hope

[@theoverengineer]

Glad it helped!

[@vidalcharide]

Thankyou very much, excellent details

[@IsMefufu]

well done. good explanation

[@RyanR63093]

Great video extremely informative

[@arnaud3766]

Thanks for this great video, cristal clear explanation ! It was useful for my 94 Transalp starter rebuilt. You must be Ed China brother... or very close to him.

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks for watching.Who`s Ed China?

[@MatejPavlansky]

Ed China is a very skilled mechanic who is famous from the show called "wheeler dealers". He does the same, great job as you - explaining how things work and how can you repair them by yourself! Btw. thanks for your videos, they are very good!

[@hibbs79]

great video thank you I enjoyed it and learnt something too. 👍

[@brianvincent6839]

Well done,sir.

[@royalfinest]

Instructional and educative. A+++!

[@korosys]

it worked!!!!!! can't believe its been three months sence my comment, you just saved me 100 bucks so i can pay my insurance now lol I could't believe the black stuff that came out of it. ty very much

[@jamesregan7]

thank you! great video.

[@dicko3160]

Great video !

[@marcinmorris]

Really nice video - detailed and explained well, man ;) Rare on youtube

[@Fawkes-ent]

Going to try this out you might of save me a lot of money

[@lerch122]

thanks for that,well explained

[@robwright4398]

Very informative! Thanks