Hey guys, I just pulled out my starter and it's bad. The starter gear pops out of the starter but does not spin, however if I tap it with a hammer it starts spinning. My questiion is can I possibly repair this on the cheap. I'm out of a job right now so money is really tight. In the worst case scenario, where is the cheapest replacement starter I can get?

Thanks,
-Max

 

Your solenoid is probably the problem.
When power is applied to the S terminal of the solenoid, the bendix pops out like you said was happening. When it reaches full travel, there's a metal disc inside the solenoid that gets pushed into two metal posts. If the disc makes good contact with the posts, it sends power to the starter and the starter starts turning. I'd bet the disc is not making good contact with the metal posts. I have had luck cleaning the dics and posts.

Check for power on the solenoid terminal that has a short metal strap going into the starter while trying to actuate the starter.
If there's no power there, the solenoid needs replacing or the disc/posts need cleaning.

If there is power there and the starter isn't turning, the starter brushes are probably bad. They can be replaced, but they are hard to find. Most stores would rather sell you a whole starter.

 

I'll check that right now, but I would think that if the solenoid connection was bad then the starter would not turn over no matter what. In my case, when I tap the starter with a hammer it starts spinning. Could it still be the solenoid or is the starter brushes for sure?

 

Hard to say for sure, but I'd start with the solenoid.

 

You can try this (easier with the starter removed from the car):

Locate the battery teminal on the solenoid.

Remove the battery cable from this terminal.

You'll find this terminal attached to the solenoid with a nut. The terminal is made like a nut and bolt (bolt inside the solenoid; nut on the outside).

Loosen this nut.

Holding the terminal, keep loosening the nut until you can push the terminal into the solenoid and turn it 180 degrees. Don't let the terminal fall inside (which is why you don't completely remove the nut).

Pull the terminal outward until it "seats" again.

Tighten the nut and reinstall the starter.

 

You can do the same on the lower contact, and reverse (flip) the copper washer (movable contact) in the solenoid. If you're going that far, I'd suggest cleaning the commutator, replacing the brushes, and relubricating the end bearings and pivots. As long as the windings are intact and the commutator is not pitted or worn in an irregular manner, you should be able to get more life from your starter motor.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I did like you said, I took the solenoid cover off and saw that the battery terminal contact was in horrible shape, and the copper disc (commutator?) was even worse. I spent 20 minutes cleaning and sanding those two parts, then I put it back together with the battery contact turned 180*, and the starter fired right up. Again, thank you very much guys, you just saved me the price of a new starter.

-Max