E 150 1/2 Ton Van V6-4.2L VIN 2 (1997)
Starter Armature: Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
1. Inspect the armature for broken or burned insulation and unsoldered connections. Inspect the commutator surface for grooves, and check for
runout.
2. Check for gear teeth that are broken, or that show evidence of step wear or root interference.
3. Check the armature as follows for shorts, opens or grounds, using suitable test equipment and instruments (test light must be 110 volts or less):
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Rotate the armature in a growler, holding a steel strip such as a hacksaw blade against the armature. If a short circuit is present, the steel strip
will vibrate in that area.
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Check the armature for grounds, using a test lamp or ohmmeter. There must be no continuity between the armature shaft and any point on the
commutator.
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Check for opens by visually inspecting the points where the armature conductors join the commutator. A poor connection often will be
indicated by signs of arcing or burning of the commutator.
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Replace armatures which are shorted, grounded or show evidence of opens.
4. If the surface of the commutator is rough or more than 0.051 mm (0.002 inch) out of round, turn it down. Do not undercut the mica.
