Question for starter rebuild experts

[jack orchard]

I am rebuilding some 8BA starters.
What is the best way to solder the two brushes to the field windings. I used 2 125 watt irons (at the same time) on the last one i did. There has to be a better way. I hope you guys can help with that procedure.
Also, what is the original diameter of the armature? What is the minimum diameter it should be before it should be scrapped?
How much end play is acceptable?
Again, thanks to you all for your time and help...jack

 

[Bob C]

I use one of the big old soldering coppers you heat with a torch.

Bob

 

[jack orchard]

I use one of the big old soldering coppers you heat with a torch.

Bob

Thanks. Bob. Good idea. Got an extra one you want to peddle?

 

[Bob C]

There's plenty on Ebay, some nice electric one also.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...sct=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=1&_dmd=1&_ipg=50

Bob

 

[Scott H]

What about a jeweler's torch, like the Little Torch you can find on ebay.

 

[richard crow]

get one of those little propane hand held toruch that harbor freight sell for under 10.00.

 

[AlDeBear]

Jack, You could use a Weller 8200 solder gun? It is dual wattage 140/100. Just make sure the tip nuts are very tight and the tip is tinned. If you need more heat use the Weller D550. Also dual wattage 260/200. I understand there are tiny butane torches/solder irons also but have never used them. Larry

 

[jack orchard]

would't the flame of a small torch burn the insulation on the windings?

 

[Bob NH]

I have had the same trouble trying to solder items from time to time. When I use a Weller gun there never seems to be enough heat to do the job and when I use a Benz o matic there is way too much so I was in NAPA a couple of days ago and bought the "neatest" little butane torch a bit larger that a cig lighter. It puts out 1300 c temp and has a 30 minute burn time. Adjustable flame also. I have used it for a couple of electric connections so far and love the little sucker! They also had one a bit larger maybe the size of a small automatic pistol and both will not bust up yo pocket book either. Might just be your answer ?

 

[Bob NH]

I forgot if anyone wants to know, Its called "Micro Torch" and the part # is 784753

 

[Karl Wolf]

I have used a piece of carbon, like the core of a standard D cell battery, or in my case carbon from an old follow spot light... Hook it up to a 12 Volt battery like an arc welder... produces heat NOW, and a lot... Have everything tinned, wear gas welding goggles, or something...
Karl

 

[Rich Overton]

As Bob C. said. Those big copper irons are the best. They're the best for soldering the windings onto the armature too.

Rich O.

 

[1931 flamingo]

If you've got an old camp stove (coleman or the like), you can use that to heat the big solid soldering irons.
Paul in CT

 

[Kurt in NJ]

I used to use 2 weller guns --it would take along time to get enough heat to barely do a proper job ----Then I found a 600watt electric iron at a yardsale, it will get the joint to soldering heat almost instantly , also makes resoldering the armature easy too.

 

[quickchange34]

The best thing to use is the copper iron. with a pointed end. It will put the heat where you want it and not burn anything . Heat the iron with a torch.

 

[jack orchard]

thanks to all for the info about soldering brushes. i agree the best way seems to be with large pointed end soldering copper.

anyone have specs for armature?

thanks again to everyone...jack

 

[jerry grayson]

I have used a piece of carbon, like the core of a standard D cell battery, or in my case carbon from an old follow spot light... Hook it up to a 12 Volt battery like an arc welder... produces heat NOW, and a lot... Have everything tinned, wear gas welding goggles, or something...
Karl[/QUOTE

Karl Wolf has the correct answer. If you other fellows have not tried this then you do not have the "best method". The piece of carbon in an alligator clip works and no open flame to burn insulation. You need; two heavy wires with alligator clips on each end; one carbon brush from a 34 generator(no wire on it). Hook one end of each wire to a battery(6 or 12), the other end of one wire to ground on the starter (or gen), the other wire with the carbon, touch the thing to be soldered and go to it!! Try it, you will like it!! P.S. you need solder.

 

[bbrocksr]

I have used a piece of carbon, like the core of a standard D cell battery, or in my case carbon from an old follow spot light... Hook it up to a 12 Volt battery like an arc welder... produces heat NOW, and a lot... Have everything tinned, wear gas welding goggles, or something...
Karl[/QUOTE

Karl Wolf has the correct answer. If you other fellows have not tried this then you do not have the "best method". The piece of carbon in an alligator clip works and no open flame to burn insulation. You need; two heavy wires with alligator clips on each end; one carbon brush from a 34 generator(no wire on it). Hook one end of each wire to a battery(6 or 12), the other end of one wire to ground on the starter (or gen), the other wire with the carbon, touch the thing to be soldered and go to it!! Try it, you will like it!! P.S. you need solder.

Try this for the "Best" method. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/starterbrushsolder.htm
Bill