Beating Around The Bush

[sloopjohnrb]

Hi, Gladys is a March, 1962, 948 cc unleaded.

Recently I had a few problems starting Gladys and after fixing a few small probs, allied to a process of elimination,
I removed the starter motor for inspection.

I was both surprised and impressed to find the interior parts of the starter motor were in a great condition.
The commutator and pads good,bendix working perfectly etc.
I was so glad I did not just go and buy a replacement Starter.

I have carefully cleaned the whole unit as per instructions and guides and I am left with just one problem..
Which is that the brushes badly need replacing (ordered and in the mail) and I have found that removal of old and fitting new requires soldering!

My soldering skills are not so good and I don't know what type of solder, flux, soldering iron would be required.
Have you any tips or guides on how the brush replacement soldering is done and how one goes about it?

If I could get some advice I would then be able to work out whether I could tackle the job myself (after massive research and reading) or whether to see if I can find somewhere that will do the job.
I really don't want to junk a perfectly good starter merely because of brushes and my inconfidence about soldering.

Best wishes
John
Member 55621

[Alec]

Hello John,

firstly you would need a very large soldering iron, which would probably cost more than a replacement starter motor, it could be done with a small blowlamp?
You need 60\40 tin\lead solder and resin flux if the solder you get is not flux cored.(.e. flux and solder combined) Soldering is a relatively simple process and copper solders easily. The principle is that the metal should be heated to above the solder melting point or you will get a 'dry' joint.
Alec

[sloopjohnrb]

Many thanks for the advice.
The blow-lamp would perhaps be too fierce and is a bit of a fire hazard?
As the cost of a soldering iron would be more than a new starter, it seems that the best bet would be to find someone
with soldering experience who could do the job for me.

I have noted the sort of solder and flux needed as per your reply which I can now pass on to whomever I find to do the job.

This has been of great help to me, thank you.
Best wishes

[TomLS]

I have something similar to this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Micro-Jet-Gas ... 263wt_1137

but I'm pretty sure mine was about £6 delivered. It came with a stand and the flame can be locked on, and it uses lighter refill gas. I use it for most soldering (apart from PCB's) as it's much quicker than a soldering iron, and dropping a power cable from my 3rd floor flat to the car park is hardly ideal...

It's only a fire hazard if you're foolish, but I keep a fire extinguisher in my cars any way

[Alec]

Hello John,

no, a small blowlamp with a fine flame would not be a problem, and as for a fire hazard it depends where you use it, it won't harm the starter motor components.

If you can find an old fashioned auto electricn he would probably do the job relatively cheaply, the other option would be a motor rewind specialist.

Alec

[sloopjohnrb]

Hello, I never thought about an old-fashioned auto electician...That would seem to be the ideal answer, as the butane torch on Ebay is around £12 plus P&P and, I'd only use it the one time.
Also, an auto electician would do the job right and I'm so awful at soldering that it borders on the criminal.

Thank you, thank you for your tips and advice, it is DEEPLY appreciated.
Best wishes
John

[bmcecosse]

I'm guessing this must be the later end-contact brush type of starter? Either pick up a solder iron (lump of copper on a stick will be ideal) - or meantime - pick up a secondhand starter and fit it to keep the car on the road while you practise soldering.....

[TomLS]

That would seem to be the ideal answer, as the butane torch on Ebay is around £12 plus P&P and, I'd only use it the one time.
Also, an auto electician would do the job right and I'm so awful at soldering that it borders on the criminal.

Fair enough, but soldering is very easy to pick up (as in get it hot and poke it with solder - that is literally it.) You've done the hard bit getting it off and stripping it!
Plus an auto-electrician is going to charge you more than that, and the torch is re-usable.

Plus, you own an old car... no way is that the only time you'll need to solder

Each to their own, but to me the only thing more satisfying than tracing a problem, is fixing it myself.

Regards
Tom.

[TomLS]

That would seem to be the ideal answer, as the butane torch on Ebay is around £12 plus P&P and, I'd only use it the one time.
Also, an auto electician would do the job right and I'm so awful at soldering that it borders on the criminal.

Fair enough, but soldering is very easy to pick up (as in get it hot and poke it with solder - that is literally it.) You've done the hard bit getting it off and stripping it!
Plus an auto-electrician is going to charge you more than that, and the torch is re-usable.

Plus, you own an old car... no way is that the only time you'll need to solder

Each to their own, but to me the only thing more satisfying than tracing a problem, is fixing it myself.

Regards
Tom.

[beero]

Where are you John? Maybe someone can lend you a soldering iron.

[sloopjohnrb]

Hello,
I'm in Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, North Wales, which is between Abergele and Llandudno.
I can bring the relevant parts out to a soldering iron as I often borrow one of those modern cars, the type with all the comfort buttons and stuff. About a 30 mile radius.
Thank you again.
Best wishes
John[frame][/frame]

[beero]

Sorry John, way to far to borrow mine!

[sloopjohnrb]

Thanks for the thought!!

[sloopjohnrb]

Hi, I found a new , boxed gas torch in the Skunkworks, temperature up to 1350c, fine flame adjustment, "suitable for soldering a wide variety of items".

So, I'm gonna' get the right solder/flux tomorrow and have a go.

Best wishes
John

[katy]

Another point to keep in mind when soldering is that the metal surfaces have to be shiny clean, no rust, corrosion, paint, scale, oil, grease, crud, or any other contaminents, otherwise the solder won't stick properly.
Unless what you're soldering w/the torch is out in the open air, you may want to put a piece sheet metal behind it to protect whatevers behind.