Snowblower starter

[4spdragtop]

So getting snowblower ready for winter, i noticed the electric starter wouldn't work. A click and a loud hum. That's it. So removed it and noticed one of the long screws holding the 2 ends together had broken off and another was seized, but was able to remove it. Only issue I noticed upon disassembly was slight rust staring to form. What could/should I use to remove? Sandpaper I guess? Now for cleaning, electrical aerosol cleaner?
Everything looks good, turns freely? Either the bolt that was broken, the body of the starter had cocked/shifted somewhat. I'm hoping a simple clean and reassembly will fix it?

 

[Daves69]

I use a small wire brush, but sandpaper should be fine IMO. Careful with the spray if ya' don't know it's effects on plastics and insulation. Compressed air and a rag with the spray on it to wipe out.
Clean up those armature contacts as well. Make sure there's no obvious buildup in the slots between them.

 

[67Dart273]

Agree. Does the rust shown cause drag on the armature? Get it free and cleaned up, a light amount of grease in the bushings, fine sandpaper the commutator, and find something fine like a exacto to clean out between the commutator segments and I bet it works fine. That really does not look all that bad. I've got some outboard (12V) ones operating that would not turn and were full of rust, and looked horrid.

 

[4spdragtop]

Thanks guys, everything looks good, nothing that stands out to me as an issue, other than the slight rust, and the broken/missing bolt. Brushes look good, no drag at all.
Hope this works, as there appears to be no direct replacement unfortunately. Already ordered a "replacement" and no go...

 

[Bodyperson]

Thanks guys, everything looks good, nothing that stands out to me as an issue, other than the slight rust, and the broken/missing bolt. Brushes look good, no drag at all.
Hope this works, as there appears to be no direct replacement unfortunately. Already ordered a "replacement" and no go...

Sure hope it works for ya. Them brushes should be fun. I had to laugh (under my breath) when my neighbor drove his snow blower over to my heated shop for a bit of welding. He brought an extension cord. He didnt know it could be cold started without the electric starter.

 

[67Dart273]

The way that is built, it appears the brush holder can be installed before the rear cover. If not sometimes you can make yourself a "funnel" out of a soda can. Cut an appropriate piece, curl it around the commutator, and work it into the brushes. When you get them far enough in, you can then pull the aluminum strip out