Armature Inspection and Test

Remove the starter (see STARTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
Disassemble the starter as shown at the beginning of this procedure.
Inspect the armature for wear or damage from contact with the permanent magnet. If there is wear or damage, replace the armature.

Fig 1: Identifying Armature
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the commutator (A) surface. If the surface is dirty or burnt, resurface it with an emery cloth or a lathe to the specifications in step 5, or recondition with #500 or #600 sandpaper (B).

Fig 2: Checking Commutator Surface
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the commutator diameter. If the diameter is below the service limit, replace the armature.
Commutator Diameter

Standard (New): 28.0-28.1 mm (1.102-1.106 in.)

Service Limit: 27.5 mm (1.083 in.)

Fig 3: Checking Commutator Diameter
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the commutator (A) runout.
- If the commutator runout is within the service limit, check the commutator for carbon dust or brass chips between the segments.
- If the commutator runout is not within the service limit, replace the armature.
Commutator Runout

Standard (New): 0.02 mm (0.001 in.) max.

Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in.)

Fig 4: Measuring Commutator Runout
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the mica depth (A). If the mica is too high (B), undercut the mica with a hacksaw blade to the proper depth. Cut away all the mica (C) between the commutator segments. The undercut should not be too shallow, too narrow, or V-shaped (D).
Commutator Mica Depth

Standard (New): 0.40-0.50 mm (0.016-0.020 in.)

Service Limit: 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)

Fig 5: Identifying Mica Depth
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an open circuit between any segments, replace the armature.

Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between Segments Of Commutator
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Place the armature (A) on an armature tester (B). Hold a hacksaw blade (C) on the armature core. If the blade is attracted to the core or vibrates while the core is turned, the armature is shorted. Replace the armature.

Fig 7: Placing Armature On Armature Tester
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between the commutator (A) and the armature coil core (B), and between the commutator and the armature shaft (C). If there is continuity, replace the armature.

Fig 8: Checking Continuity Between Commutator & Armature Coil Core
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.