New Armature Tight / Long Model A
 

I just put a new armature in my starter. The old one got bent when my foot slipped on starter button and bent the armature shaft when the starter gear bound against the fly wheel.

The new armature if very tight, it can be hand turned but just barley when the 2 starter case screws are tightened all the way. If the screws are just a little loose the armature turns freely. Just the last little bit of turn on the screws tight reduces the “free turning” of the armature.

Car starts, but you can tell, feel, hear, the starting has friction from the armature when turning?

Will this loosen up? Do I grease or lube the new armature?

Thanks so much

John

Re: New Armature Tight / Long Model A
 

There is a fiber thrust washer that is used next to the commutator. Make sure you did not put two of the washers in. If that is not the case then try sanding off some of the fiber washer or add one or more paper shims to space out the brush holder end plate. Without hands-on inspection of the starter motor parts it is hard to analyse what is going on. Pictures usually help. You can use a link to a photo on another site if necessary.

Don't sand too much of the fiber washer. If it is too thin it will not do its job.

Re: New Armature Tight / Long Model A
 

Try pressing the bushing in the end plate more toward the flywheel. This allow more front to back free play on the armature, should have about .010" to .020" free play.

Re: New Armature Tight / Long Model A
 

After starting it a couple times. I took the started back out and the armature now spins freely. All good! Thanks for the help.