Aftermarket Starters

[Ed M]

Has anyone bought / tried an aftermarket starter? I noticed my wolverine was having trouble starting and after a few checks pulled the starter and disassembled it. The brushes are definetly shot - actually I can't believe it still started. Also it looks like the rubber seals let in some moisture. The local dealership wants over $100 for the new brushes and new orings. Also because Yamaha requires its dealers to have a minimum order requirement for parts of $250 the parts may not get ordered until next week. I did some online shopping and while it would save me only about $15 I could have the parts next week. For the same amount of money I could buy a new aftermarket starter. Any recommendations??

Thanks

 

[Glenn]

Wow! That's nuts! I could walk into my local dealer, order a bolt that's $1.35 and then pick it up when it arives. I'd just have to pay tax.

Get the brushes online. I got some from jackssmallengine.com Dennis Kirk or Rocky Mountain ATV may sell them as well.

Is the inside coroded? My starter was covered with goop on the inside; I'm pretty sure it was over oiled.

An overhaul should only run you about $15-$20 in parts.


Here's a writeup I did with pics: http://northeastatvers.com/forum/index.php?topic=14492.0

 

[Ed M]

Thanks Glenn, I went back and took another look at the commutator and decided to replace the whole starter. I didn't have my calipers to verify but used a straight edge from the inside to the outside of the commutator and was amazed at the air gap where the brushes ride. Mine was also corroded quite a bit once I cleaned everything up.

I've done a number of starter rebuilds in the past on other quads and SeaDoos and mine was the worst I've ever seen. But it was by far the easiest to get to as far as removal and replacement goes.

 

[Glenn]

Wow! That's a total bummer! I know they sell a lot of new units on e-bay for around $100.