Starter Motor Brush Set for 1941 Plymouth

Starter Motor Brush Set for 1941 Plymouth

Blog Article

1941 Plymouth Starter Motor Overview

• Engine Options:
  
  
  
  • L-head inline-six: 201 cubic inches (3.3 L), 82 hp
  
  
  • Flathead V8: 230 cubic inches (3.8 L), 100 hp
  
  
  
  


• Starter Motor Specs:
  
  
  
  • 6-volt positive ground system (common for 1940s vehicles)
  
  
  • Direct-drive starter design with a solenoid mounted on the starter housing
  
  
  • Typical brush configuration: 4 brushes (2 positive, 2 negative) arranged in a radial pattern
  
  
  
  

Brush Set Specifications and Design

• Material Composition:
  
  
  
  • Carbon-graphite composite with 30–40% copper content (period-correct material for 1940s starters)
  
  
  • Brushes may include natural graphite for low friction and durability in high-amperage applications (up to 150 amperes)
  
  
  
  


• Dimensions (Approximate):
  
  
  
  • Length: 1.5–1.75 inches (38–44 mm)
  
  
  • Width: 0.75 inches (19 mm)
  
  
  • Thickness: 0.5 inches (13 mm)
  
  
  
  


• OE Part Numbers:
  
  
  
  • Original Chrysler-Plymouth part numbers likely included prefixes like "1887XXX" or "1923XXX" (specific numbers vary by engine type)
  
  
  
  


• Design Features:
  
  
  
  • Brushes with integral pigtail wires (cloth-insulated copper cables, typical of 1940s electrical systems)
  
  
  • Spring tension: 1.0–1.5 Newtons (adjusted for 6-volt starter engagement)
  
  
  
  

Signs of Worn Brushes in Vintage Starters

• Slow Cranking: Reduced armature speed due to poor electrical contact, especially in cold weather


• Intermittent Starting: Inconsistent engagement caused by worn brush tips or broken springs


• Electrical Arcing: Visible sparks from the commutator during cranking, indicating brush wear


• Physical Degradation:
  
  
  
  • Brushes worn below 50% of original length (e.g., less than 0.75 inches from 1.5 inches)
  
  
  • Cracked carbon blocks or frayed pigtail wires
  
  
  
  


• Commutator Damage: Scoring or blackening from arcing, requiring resurfacing or replacement

Replacement and Restoration Guide

1. Tools & Precautions:
   
   
   
   • Vintage-specific tools: 6-volt test light, insulated screwdrivers, and imperial socket sets
   
   
   • Safety note: Disconnect the battery ground cable (positive terminal on 6-volt systems) before servicing
   
   
   
   


2. Step-by-Step Replacement:
   
   
   
   • Remove the starter motor from the engine (mounted on the engine block near the flywheel)
   
   
   • Disassemble the brush end plate (secured by slotted screws or retaining clips)
   
   
   • Release worn brushes by detaching pigtail wires and removing brush springs
   
   
   • Inspect the commutator for wear; use fine emery cloth (1000-grit) to polish minor imperfections
   
   
   • Install new brushes, ensuring pigtail wires align with original connections
   
   
   • Reassemble the starter and test on a bench with a 6-volt battery (avoid using modern 12-volt systems)
   
   
   
   


3. Restoration Tips:
   
   
   
   • Replace cloth-insulated pigtail wires with period-correct materials for authenticity
   
   
   • Adjust brush springs to maintain 1.2 N tension (measured with a spring scale)
   
   
   
   

OEM vs. Aftermarket Brush Sets for Vintage Vehicles

• Genuine OEM Parts:
  
  
  
  • Availability: Rare, often sourced from salvage yards or vintage parts collectors
  
  
  • Advantages: Exact fit for 1941 Plymouth starters, historical accuracy for restorations
  
  
  • Disadvantages: High cost ($50–$100+ per set) and limited supply
  
  
  
  


• Aftermarket Reproductions:
  
  
  
  • Manufacturers: Companies like Auto-Lite, Delco Remy, or specialized vintage parts suppliers (e.g., Kanter Auto Products)
  
  
  • Advantages: More affordable ($25–$45 per set), modified for modern reliability while maintaining OE dimensions
  
  
  • Considerations: Ensure the set is labeled for 6-volt positive ground starters
  
  
  
  

Sourcing Brush Sets for 1941 Plymouth

• Vintage Auto Parts Dealers:
  
  
  
  • Specialized stores like Bob’s Automobilia or Mac’s Auto Parts carry starter components for pre-1950 vehicles
  
  
  • Use their online catalogs or contact sales teams for part cross-referencing
  
  
  
  


• Classic Car Clubs and Forums:
  
  
  
  • Plymouth Owners Club or Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) members often share sourcing tips
  
  
  • Classified ads on forums like The Plymouth Forum may list used or NOS (new old stock) brush sets
  
  
  
  


• Online Marketplaces:
  
  
  
  • eBay and Etsy sellers offer vintage brushes, often with detailed fitment notes for 1941 models
  
  
  • Amazon Marketplace features aftermarket sets from brands like Standard Motor Products (verify 6-volt compatibility)
  
  
  
  


• Technical Resources:
  
  
  
  • Starter Stock provides historical starter motor diagrams and part compatibility guides, aiding in cross-referencing modern equivalents for 1941 Plymouth starters
  
  
  
  

Relevant Website and Preservation Resources