Safe to test a starter on the bench? How to unseize?

[johnny g-pipe]

S2pid question, but just to check that I won't bugger it by giving it 12v when its not engaged with the flywheel. Its from the 2cv, so its not used to huge loads, right enough

If it is seized as I suspect (lack of use), is there anything else that helps other than the 'special hammer tool' technique?

[Holst]

I dont think you will do it any harm by clamping it in a vice and running it for a second.
Starters should be fairly robust (even 2CV ones)

>> Edited by Holst on Sunday 23 April 22:16

[Pigeon]

johnny g-pipe said:

S2pid question, but just to check that I won't bugger it by giving it 12v when its not engaged with the flywheel. Its from the 2cv, so its not used to huge loads, right enough

You won't bugger it just by powering it up with no load. But it will roll rapidly in the opposite direction to that in which the shaft spins, which might cause it to fall off the bench. That might bugger it. So do it on the floor and put your foot on it

johnny g-pipe said:

If it is seized as I suspect (lack of use), is there anything else that helps other than the 'special hammer tool' technique?

Diesel
Plus-gas
WD40
Hairdryer
Wiggling it back and forth by hand
Precision in the application of the hammer

[Deltafox]

Pigeon said:

johnny g-pipe said: S2pid question, but just to check that I won't bugger it by giving it 12v when its not engaged with the flywheel. Its from the 2cv, so its not used to huge loads, right enough You won't bugger it just by powering it up with no load. But it will roll rapidly in the opposite direction to that in which the shaft spins, which might cause it to fall off the bench. That might bugger it. So do it on the floor and put your foot on it johnny g-pipe said: If it is seized as I suspect (lack of use), is there anything else that helps other than the 'special hammer tool' technique? Diesel Plus-gas WD40 Hairdryer Wiggling it back and forth by hand Precision in the application of the hammer

^^^^^

Pigeon; a man of experience.

[johnny g-pipe]

Cool, thanks. I'll keep a tight grip on the wee blighter..

[Mr Whippy]

Done the hitting with hammer lots of times, but it doesn't always work.

The last three I've done you just remove, strip, clean, rebuild and they worked first time back on the car.

Good to do it this way as they are clearly full of crap if they are stopping working to start with!

Dave

[steve_D]

All the above is good stuff but I would add:
If this is the helical throw in type bendix then when you have got it all working freely strip the bendix and solvent clean all the bits. Reassemble without any lubricant. It is oil or grease on the bendix that collects clutch dust to form the splendid paste that finally jams the begger.

Been there.

Steve