The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Starter Disassmbly Question

I have a big GMC starter from a Toro-flow engine. On the drive end it has a washer that is thrust washer for end and holds the drive from coming off now also, as I tear it down. It appears to be held on by a wire snap ring, inside the washer in a groove. We're talking on a 1/2" shaft and an 1/8" washer here. Is this just supposed to be pulled off hard or is there a tool to take it off? I've tried some "whacking" but didn't wanna break something so quit. I also tried to dig out ring with a knife blade, but no luck getting under an end. There is a gap in the ring. What do I do?

I have four brushes on unit. ONe is melted like and left deposits behind on the stator surface. The opposite one has wire melted off it now. This starter Did work till one day I got it stuck when my engine was running. Did that do something to it? Drive seems fine, just the juice was on all the time it was running. Not sure if I have a short or just can re-solder the wire now. New brushes and bushings and clean up the armature where brushes touch? I have manuals on this truck and engine, but the starter section was kinda breif. Where can I get info on testing wiring with meter and the washer problem?

There is a sprcial tool for that but you can take a pair of channel locks & put one jaw on the end of the shaft & the other on the edge of the snap ring. If you have burnt wires & meltdown you are going to have to get another starter.

afraid ya did it right in the burn out dept.. there are replacement parts to rebuild the entire thing, but ya might have fun finding them.

then,

there's the question of whether or not ya burned out the stator wiring or armature. also it makes no sense to put it back together and not change the bushings or tank clean the thing.

there's a shop in indy that could probably rebuild the thing for about 80 bucks. let me know and i'll get their name and number.

Problem is this is a bigger than usual starter. It was working fine all summer. I don't get why problems now. Having it stick did what to it??
My local guy is good with starters, it's just he can be an ***-hole if in wrong mood or you don't wanna spend your money there. I got some bushings, parts are pretty clean now, cept the main stators, and still gotta clean up the armature end for brushes. Haven't got brushes yet either. Monday will have to go see that guy, see what he thinks I should do with it.

G. L., once you get the starter motor apart, I would suggest having some serious bench testing by an auto electric shop you trust.

ALL the wiring needs to be inspected and tested to make sure the integrity of the insulation and windings is good. Burned and or melted copper confirms long-term high amerage which can certainly cause unseen defects.

i'm pretty familiar with diesel starters. napa did carry replacement parts. if ya can't get reasonable prices from yer local guy, give van's carburator and electric in indy a call. i can pick up parts for you in indy and you and i can meet north of town.

you can buy my lunch.