New commutator

I started to clean out my starter last night in the hopes that it was salvageable. The brushes look good and the springs are definitely holding up well. However the commutator is showing signs of wear. Does anyone know where I can purchase JUST the commutator or do I have to purchase a whole new unit?

 

The armature leads are crimped/spot welded to the commutator, not a easy replace. A new armature would cost close to or about the same as a new starter.
If you have a automotive electric shop nearby that rebuilds starters and alternators, they can get you a new starter cheaper than a motorcycle shop in most cases.

 

okay thanks, I'll have to ask around. The only other option I considered was buying another used starter for cheap and hoping that I could swap out parts. Of course that could end up being a waste of money in the end

 

These starters are just bushings, bearings, brushes and armatures. The brushes are the usual problem. buying a used starter will be 50/50 chance of getting a good armature.
Can you upload a pic of your commutator?

 

Yea I'll post a pic when I get home. The whole thing is supposed to be brass colored right? There are still grooves there but it looks like aluminum. The brushes in it are actually fine. Lots of material left on them.

 

What you need to look for is pitted or warped bars. Discoloration is from the brushes, you can clean it with a fine 400 grit sandpaper wrapped around the commutator and twist the armature with your hand.
You can check for continuity from bar to bar and make sure that there isn't continuity between the commutator and armature shaft using a multimeter. The other test requires a tester called a "Growler" which a auto electric repair shop would have.

 

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Acknowledgements Rickcomatic!