32v Starter Motor Help wanted....

The 32V motor would be typical of a generator set or marine engine. Most likely a Delco starter. Have you taken it to a starter/generator shop lately? It should be possible to find new fields for most any delco product.

One place online that has a lot of Delco stuff is this guy. He's one source of the correct conversion starter drives for replacing pony motors. I doubt it is a 40MT starter, but this auction link has a contact seller button. Probably a 50MT starter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Delco-Remy-Starter-Fields-40-MT-32-Volt-New-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem518d28dedeQQitemZ350260616926QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

A best guess is that you have an early 50MT type 250 starter with bendix (inertia) drive.
Probably a model #860.

Delco offered a direct mounted solenoid 50MT version as a replacement 32V unit #1109980. Solenoid indexing is 38 deg.

If you want to try for parts for the original #860 the armature is a #1912133 and the coils are listed as #1871322;5;8.

Good luck in your search.

Edit:
Your 45xxxx engine serial numbers are actually 4Sxxxx numbers.
1945 to 1954

Also possible to convert a late model 50MT 32V unit to the helical drive.

Checked further into the #1109980 starter mentioned and found out it has a straight tooth drive so you'd have to change to the helical drive conversion. The drive end housing is fully indexible with four hole positioning so that part should work out ok.

You guys are magic.....thanks!

Old magnet,
Armed with your information I got in touch with Delco who gave me another replacement for obsolete part reference number. 50 MT 32V #10479331....
http://www.delcoremy.com/Starters/Models/50MT-Heavy-Duty-Starter.aspx

But as you say it has a straight not helical dog. Delco tech didn’t think I would be able to change it and at a $1053 it’s too expensive to experiment.....

But he did suggest that he might have field coils that will fit the old motor.....
Trying to decide if they are CW or CCW........???


So I’m still out there searching for a solution....

Thanks again for your interest and input....

It pays to shop around.
Where does the starter mount? If it's in place of the normal pony motor it's clockwise with RH helical drive. If it's over on the other side forward of the flywheel it's still cw but the drive changes to LH helical. Either drive is available...under $100.

Here is at least one source:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120671456293&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Be aware that there are plenty of "knock off" copies out there but then I'm not sure that they aren't all made overseas at this point.

Besides the drive you will also need to sort out which drive end housing you need. They are indexible but only within the range of the flywheel arc access. Just a matter of selecting the right one.

Here is an example of the required housing for a typical drive conversion using late Delso starters.

Old magnet you are magic...... thanks...
I did as you suggested and contacted “Rareelectrical.com”
They were over the top helpful in every way.
After a few photos and telephone conversations they sent me exactly what I needed.
The final price was $497.30 including changing the helix gear and shipping.


[attachment=9243]DSC02758.JPG[/attachment]

I had a few problems fitting it.
First the solenoid index wouldn’t work because there was no clearance between the solenoid and the oil filters.
I eventually ground away one corner of the solenoid until it fitted.
And second,
The contacts in the solenoid kept arcing and welding themselves together. After a phone call the solution was not to keep starting the engine six or seven times to see if it works, but to, as they put it, “live in the real world”, start it up and let it run for 20 mins. to recharge the batteries...
The voltage drop was creating too high amperage....
And now it’s perfect, the engine starts like a spring lamb, In the 25 years I’ve had the boat she has never sounded so good...
After 5 years of aggravation with the starter motor I’m now as happy as a new born.
I highly recommend Rare Electrical, “Rareelectrical.com” Tel: 866 695 0363

Thank you again and thank you Antique Caterpillar owners Club...



Of course nothing could be that good or simple, I’ve now got a problem with the clutch....
The old Joe’s gearbox has got her self into forward gear and won’t come out....

A new problem......!!!

[attachment=9242]DSC02759.JPG[/attachment]

You’re not familiar with the old Joe’s gearbox circa 1940 I suppose.... ???