starter brushes

[mts47]

If my starter brushes are 3/8 of an inch long is there any life left in them? I had an oil leak, which is now cleaned up and would like to avoid chasing new brushes. Thanks all.   Mark

[h2olawyer]

According to the Haynes manual:

Brush Length:
Standard  13/32 in = 0.400 in = 10 mm
Service Limit  3/16 in = 0.180 in = 4.5 mm

It looks like you still have some life left in those brushes.  How's your commutator look?

Commutator diameter:
Standard  1.100 in = 28 mm
Service Limit  1.060 in = 27 mm
Mica undercut depth  0.060 in = 1.6 mm

hope this helps
H2O

[mts47]

commutator looks good and measures good, needed some clean up from oil crud. thanks for the help, Mark

[QBS]

Take your brushes and brush plate to an experianced local  alternator/starter rebuilder/repairer and see if they can't rebuild your plate.  All it takes are semigeneric brushes that can be easily ground to your length and width and then soldered to your plate.  Have them turn your armature while you're there.  I've had this done twice over the last 84k miles.  The first time it cost $25.00 and took about 30 minutes while I waited.  The second time it cost $15.00 and took 20 minutes.  Some Vnaries get really concerned about the cost and availability of this particular part.  It's no big deal.  Cheers.

[h2olawyer]

Since there's only about 1/32" worn off the brushes, you can wait to do the brushes.  However, QBS is correct in telling you where to take the plate when the time comes.  

Amazingly enough, replacing the plate from Yamaha is not that expensive - especially considering the normal high price for original parts.  The brush plate assembly runs a little over $45US - last time I checked.

H2O

[mts47]

I got starter brushes at the local generater shop and filed them to fit. They work great and cost $5. Thanks all for your help.  Mark

[h2olawyer]

Can't beat that deal!  Glad you got it worked out.

H2O