Starter Motor Rebuildable?

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Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 08:59
#786215
Hey all, new to the forum, just picked up a 1982 KZ750H LTD. So far I have diagnosed a failed starter. The relay and all wiring is fine, but the starter doesn't turn. I've removed the starter and disassembled it to discover the armature is well work and concave where the brushes contact it. Is this by chance rebuildable? Or is it time to just replace the complete starter assembly?

Thanks,
Seth
1982 Kawasaki KZ750H LTD

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 09:10
#786217
You can skim the commutator flat on a lathe , cut back the mica in between the copper segments and fit new brushes which are available as spares.
The rest of the motor usually just needs a good clean and lube.
Just be sure to get any thrust washers etc in the right order on re-assembly.
AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 09:26
#786218
Zed,
I'm a hobbyist woodturning. Think I'd be able to true up the copper contacts via sanding them smooth on my wood lathe?

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 10:03
#786220
I wouldn't try sanding.
Even with emery on a wooden block it would still try to follow the existing contour and you risk making it worse.
If you can mount it between centers you will still need a traveling steady/tool post and I presume the wood lathe only has a tool rest.
If you could rig up some sort of tool post that can travel parallel to the work ( or a sliding attchment that will run on the tool rest when parallel to the work ) then an old HSS drill bit could be ground up as a cutting tool but it sounds like it may be easier to find someone local with a metal lathe to do the job.
It should only take them 5 min's with the proper tooling.
AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
www.kzrider.com/23-for-sale/611992-air-c...lide-mikunis?start=0





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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 14:18
#786239
Well, already did it. One of the things I turn is pens. Very tight tolerances and a steady hand needed. Its not perfect, but much better than it was. Should do the trick.

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 14:32
#786244
Make sure the bushings aren't sloppy or they'll bind.
Steve
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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 14:59
#786246
Are there any rebuild kits that you have better confidence in than others? Looking between a Caltric or a DB Electrical. Caltric for $20 and the DB Electrical is $30?

Thanks,

Seth
1982 KZ750 LTD

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 15:14
#786249
I haven't much luck with ether of those sellers. Links?
Steve

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 15:17
#786251
The DB Electrical has a 1-year warranty and "might" be made in the US.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081SA6EI/ref...A1E2MGYDTPEYH7&psc=1

The Caltric appears to have a 2-month warranty.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DH91K55/ref...A3QEAIM7YYCNN4&psc=1

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 15:24
#786252
One isn't even for a Kaw and the other says some parts might not fit. Maybe you would be better off buying a used one.
Steve

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 15:30
#786253
Seth82KZ750HLTD wrote: The DB Electrical has a 1-year warranty and "might" be made in the US.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081SA6EI/ref...A1E2MGYDTPEYH7&psc=1

The Caltric appears to have a 2-month warranty.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DH91K55/ref...A3QEAIM7YYCNN4&psc=1

Both of those kits look identical, except for the sellers name and the price. I didn't know they had aftermarket rebuild kits avaiable for these starters, but it does make sense, since china seems to find a way to produce cheap knock-off's of almost all things ever produced on this planet.
I have a caltric el-cheapo $27.00 stator in my bike right now, and it seems to be working.. so far.

2 months, two, years? What's the diff? lol

If something works for 2 months, it will likely last a year or two past that. Your call.

The thing is, will it cause more problems when / if it fails?
1981 Kawasaki Kz1000K1
Located in the Saint Louis, Missouri Area.

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Re: Starter Motor Rebuildable?

01 Jul 2018 15:33
#786254
These guys are good to deal with

www.z1enterprises.com/electrical-parts/s...motor-brush-kit.html
Is your a 4 brush setup|

They also support KZR and advertise here
1980 kz750E1, Delkevic exhaust
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