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Bench Testing: Armature

  1. Check commutator for any sign of burns of rough surfaces or stepped wear. If wear is of a minor nature, correct it by using sandpaper.
  2. Check the commutator run-out and replace if it exceeds the limit. See Fig 1 . See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS  table under STARTER SPECIFICATIONS.
  3. Check the depth of segment mold. See Fig 2 . See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS  table under STARTER SPECIFICATIONS.
  4. Check armature for short-circuit by placing it on growler tester. See Fig 3 . Hold a iron sheet against armature core while slowly rotating armature. A short-circuited armature will cause the iron sheet to vibrate and to be attracted to core. If the iron sheet is attracted or vibrates, the armature, which is short-circuited, must be replaced or repaired.
  5. Using a circuit tester, touch one probe to the commutator segment and the other to shaft. See Fig 4 . If there is no continuity, it is normal. If there is continuity armature is grounded. Replace armature if it is grounded.
Fig 1: Testing Commutator Run-Out
G00214940Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Testing Segment Mold Depth
G00214941Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Fig 3: Testing Armature
G00214942Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Fig 4: Testing Armature's Grounding
G00214943Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.