Hi,

Just an observation in all these post that have been very well done in passing knowledge and experiences.

The pictures of a Denso was a nice thought to put into this discussion.
My first experience with one was on a Honda Accord of a relative.
I was going to change brushes based on mileage.
Turns out they were fine.

I noticed right off that the slip rings were tremendously smaller in diameter.
I realized seeing that the design was rather revolutionary. (:)
The engine makes many revolutions and that slight change is equaling less surface area traveling under the brushes. So that explanation meant it does equal less brush wear!
I like the way those brushes were so accessible in those pictures.

Are all Denso’s alternators made the same way? Bosch is good but do some weird things within their model lines that are just crazy.
I have a theory on why its so, but it’s not proven unless you study the German nature using a Bosch parts catalog for either units.

If you think a little bit deeper you will come to a conclusion that the starter is used a whole lot less than the alternator despite the commutator being segmented.
It comes down to current draw and then you understand why there’s a big difference types of brushes and in functions.
It’s best to keep the car good tune so it keeps the starter in its own happy zone of even less use.

On the red blocks the starter is far down or out of sight to even consider one to be useable.
Neither one of the above electron manipulators come with any kind of visual or audio outside wear indicators.
Some Disc Brakes pad manufacturers did change things a little by using squealing clips.
Those got a lukewarm reception.

Now on a Toyota V8 engine the starter It’s up higher and actually on top. 360 degrees around the flywheel it can be anywhere.
I heard that it’s mounted in the very back, of course, but under the intake manifold.
If you wanted to be preventive person with your maintenance that would scare me worse than if it didn’t work someday.

I wonder with all these plastic shields on todays engines, including motorcycles, who approves this stuff with shop rates in mind?
I wonder if a person could you even hit any starter.
If it’s bigger than a billiards cue stick it better be made of steel with a insulated coating.

I have ONE 1/4 X 1&1/4 flat steel bar about 24” long. It’s wrapped up with wide black tape.
It’s in the shop or in a car if it starts giving me hints that others are talking about.

Yep, go ahead and take the trip and wait for hints to talk to-ya louder.
Choices are always making the world more fun.


Phil