Starter?

[bfiakas]

On my 88 B2 I have the original starter in it with 165,800 miles. To keep it running as long as it has, is there any PMs that I can do?

 

[Earl43P]

Yes there is.

Disconnect the battery FIRST.
Remove the starter.
Dissassemble the Bendix Drive gear on the side, clean that all up and lubricate its gear and shaft with Lubriplate.

Open the remainder of the starter (long screws) and carefully seperate it.
Inside, you will find a set of brushes that you can replace. You will also find that area clogged up with black carbon and debris. Clean all that up and polish the commutator contacts (what the brushes touch) with a pencil eraser after a good clean up.
Light lube on the shafts, Lubriplate.

Reassemble (use a pin to hold the brushes until assembled, you'll see the hole in the holder) and enjoy trouble free operation for more years.

You can find the brushes/kits on E-Bay or Amazon, maybe even Rockauto.com.
Local alternator rebuild shop might have a set in stock as well.

Might even find a YouTube video on that process. Yours will be one of the simpler starters to do.

 

[Doofy]

If it ain't broke, why fix it? Believe me, I understand Preventative Maintenance but most of the time, it is a waste of time and money. Starters seldom fail without first giving clues as to impending doom. I usually wait until I see or hear possible problems. Think I would put my efforts into things that add to overall longevity...oil and lube changes, rust repairs, radiator flushes, etc. But then, again, if you have extra time and money...why not?

 

[Gilbee01]

Go to the JY and find another original and buy 2 rebuild kits. They come with instructions. And be ready if it goes out..


-gil-

 

[bfiakas]

Thanks everybody for your info. If I can find a rebuild kit for it, not much time will be wasted rebuilding it.