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Genuine and aftermarket Honda, Robin and Kohler engine parts and accessories for generators, pumps and light construction equipment. Flat Rate Shipping of $7 for urban addresses and $12 rural delivery.
Starter motors can eventually fail through normal wear and age, particularly if they have had a lot of use.
If the brushes are evenly worn and there is no obvious damage to the starter, this may simply be normal wear. However, if you are replacing a starter motor after a relatively short period of time, it is worth looking at why it failed before fitting the replacement.
One of the first places to look for clues is the brushes.
There is a big difference between normal brush wear and brushes that have been overheated or electrically damaged.
Are your old brushes showing any of these signs?
These signs can indicate excessive current, overheating, prolonged cranking, poor electrical connections, or the starter being driven after the engine has started, rather than simple brush wear.
1. Engine is difficult to crank
A mechanical problem, tight engine, hydraulic load, or something attached to the engine can make the starter work much harder.
If the starter is repeatedly cranking the engine for long periods, it can become very hot. Long cranking periods are particularly hard on the brushes and commutator.
2. Weak battery or poor electrical connections
A weak battery does not necessarily mean the starter draws less current. The starter can draw high current while turning slowly, particularly if the battery cannot maintain adequate voltage.
Corroded battery terminals, poor earth connections or undersized battery cables can also cause voltage drop and make the starter work harder.
3. Poor earth/ground connection
A poor connection between the battery negative terminal and the engine can cause voltage drop and excessive heating.
Check that the negative battery cable and its connections are clean, tight and in good condition. The engine needs a good electrical path back to the battery.
4. Starter solenoid or electrical contact problem
Poor or damaged solenoid contacts can cause voltage drop to the starter. This can result in the starter turning slowly and remaining under heavy load for longer.
A good battery and clean electrical connections are important, but they do not necessarily prevent a solenoid from failing.
5. Starter remaining engaged
If the starter gear does not fully disengage after the engine starts, even intermittently, the starter can be spun by the engine at very high RPM. This can cause serious damage to the starter very quickly.
If you hear the starter continuing to run or make an unusual noise after the engine has started, switch the engine off and investigate the problem before continuing to use it.
6. Incorrect starter or installation issue
Make sure the replacement starter is the correct specification for the particular engine and flywheel arrangement, and that it is mounted correctly.
A starter that is not correctly aligned or fitted can cause problems with the starter gear and flywheel.
7. How long does your engine normally need to crank before it starts?
If you are holding the key or start button for 5–20 seconds repeatedly because the engine is difficult to start, this can significantly increase the heat and wear in the starter motor.
If the engine has a starting, fuelling or ignition problem, the starter may be getting a lot more use than it was designed for.
If a starter motor has failed prematurely, it is worth identifying what caused the failure before simply installing another starter.
Checking the old brushes, commutator, electrical connections, battery and starting system can provide useful clues and may prevent the replacement starter from suffering the same problem.
Genuine and aftermarket Honda, Robin and Kohler engine parts and accessories for generators, pumps and light construction equipment. Flat Rate Shipping of $7 for urban addresses and $12 rural delivery.
