Starter Generator Failure -- Repair or Replace?

akear · #1 07-01-2019, 12:10 AM

Hi... my 125 has been sitting for about a month and a half. When I started it this weekend it fired right up but I noticed the ammeter was way to the "C", which would be expected if the battery was low on charge. Next day the starter was very slow to turn over but it started; after that start though nothing. Jumped the s/g and nothing but sparks when touching the positive lead to the s/g main terminal. Took the s/g out and tried again jumping and same sparks. So must be shorted/fried inside right? What do you think caused the failure, overwork trying to charge the battery? From what I've described, do you think this s/g is worth taking to a repair shop to try to fix? If not, try a used original Delco-Remy or the aftermarket new replacements? Thanks as always for the help.

IHscout79 · #2 07-01-2019, 12:34 AM

Have it rebuilt. If you have the tools and enjoy getting your hands dirty you can rebuilt it yourself. There is a good YouTube video from the owner of iSaveTractors.com that will help you.

R Bedell · #3 07-01-2019, 08:46 AM

The S/G are 40+ yrs old. They may need attention.

I would take it to a reputable Motor Repair Shop. Have it checked out. If they say it needs to be rebuilt, then I would.

As a last alternative, you can always buy one of those Chinese knock offs that you see on the internet.

akear · #4 07-01-2019, 10:31 PM

Thanks for the good advice. I found and swung by a one-man starter/alternator repair shop on my way home. He dropped what he was working on to open up my starter, showed me that it had new brushes and bearing, but how the end plates and housing were rusty and corroded causing ground problems. Wire brushed all nice and clean, put back together, tested starter -- works great -- tested generator amps -- also works great -- and said "no charge for today". (I left $40 on the counter anyway.) He also recommended running a ground wire from an open bolt hole in the housing (which he says is there for a ground wire) to the voltage regulator mounts, so I'll do that too. Nice to find such great service nowadays!

IHscout79 · #5 07-01-2019, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akear

Thanks for the good advice. I found and swung by a one-man starter/alternator repair shop on my way home. He dropped what he was working on to open up my starter, showed me that it had new brushes and bearing, but how the end plates and housing were rusty and corroded causing ground problems. Wire brushed all nice and clean, put back together, tested starter -- works great -- tested generator amps -- also works great -- and said "no charge for today". (I left $40 on the counter anyway.) He also recommended running a ground wire from an open bolt hole in the housing (which he says is there for a ground wire) to the voltage regulator mounts, so I'll do that too. Nice to find such great service nowadays!

Glad you got it fixed! That sure was a nice guy! Had a question, can you post a picture of open bolt hole in the housing? Not sure what is going on there.

akear · #6 07-02-2019, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHscout79

Glad you got it fixed! That sure was a nice guy! Had a question, can you post a picture of open bolt hole in the housing? Not sure what is going on there.

Here you go. The threaded hole in the housing with paint around it now stripped off to ensure good ground...
IMG_20190701_203927.jpg

finsruskw · #7 07-02-2019, 07:56 AM

Just make sure the frame where it bolts to the mount is clean and the bolts from the mount to the block are all nice and clean an tight and the ground wire is mounted to the rear mounting bolt where it's supposed to be an you would be good to go.

I don't think a bolt into the case it self is a god idea, but that's just me.
If you do that make damn sure it's not contacting just the case and nit anything inside the case. Will need a super short bolt to insure that.

R Bedell · #8 07-02-2019, 08:12 AM

I am so glad to hear that it was a simple solution. Being a Service Tech myself, I see "parts changers" all the time, and for no good reason.

A big ATA Boy.

ol'George · #9 07-02-2019, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finsruskw

Just make sure the frame where it bolts to the mount is clean and the bolts from the mount to the block are all nice and clean an tight and the ground wire is mounted to the rear mounting bolt where it's supposed to be an you would be good to go.

I don't think a bolt into the case it self is a god idea, but that's just me.
If you do that make damn sure it's not contacting just the case and nit anything inside the case. Will need a super short bolt to insure that.

Back in the day, a lot of delco gens on vehicles had the ground wire.

ol'George · #10 07-02-2019, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akear

Thanks for the good advice. I found and swung by a one-man starter/alternator repair shop on my way home. He dropped what he was working on to open up my starter, showed me that it had new brushes and bearing, but how the end plates and housing were rusty and corroded causing ground problems. Wire brushed all nice and clean, put back together, tested starter -- works great -- tested generator amps -- also works great -- and said "no charge for today". (I left $40 on the counter anyway.) He also recommended running a ground wire from an open bolt hole in the housing (which he says is there for a ground wire) to the voltage regulator mounts, so I'll do that too. Nice to find such great service nowadays!

That is what is missing today, real repair shops.
The fellow deserves any business folks can send his way!