Starter Motor Rebuildable?

Hey all, new to the forum, just picked up a 1982 KZ750H LTD. So far I have diagnosed a failed starter. The relay and all wiring is fine, but the starter doesn't turn. I've removed the starter and disassembled it to discover the armature is well work and concave where the brushes contact it. Is this by chance rebuildable? Or is it time to just replace the complete starter assembly?

Thanks,
Seth
1982 Kawasaki KZ750H LTD

You can skim the commutator flat on a lathe , cut back the mica in between the copper segments and fit new brushes which are available as spares.
The rest of the motor usually just needs a good clean and lube.
Just be sure to get any thrust washers etc in the right order on re-assembly.

Zed,
I'm a hobbyist woodturning. Think I'd be able to true up the copper contacts via sanding them smooth on my wood lathe?

I wouldn't try sanding.
Even with emery on a wooden block it would still try to follow the existing contour and you risk making it worse.
If you can mount it between centers you will still need a traveling steady/tool post and I presume the wood lathe only has a tool rest.
If you could rig up some sort of tool post that can travel parallel to the work ( or a sliding attchment that will run on the tool rest when parallel to the work ) then an old HSS drill bit could be ground up as a cutting tool but it sounds like it may be easier to find someone local with a metal lathe to do the job.
It should only take them 5 min's with the proper tooling.

Well, already did it. One of the things I turn is pens. Very tight tolerances and a steady hand needed. Its not perfect, but much better than it was. Should do the trick.

Make sure the bushings aren't sloppy or they'll bind.
Steve

Are there any rebuild kits that you have better confidence in than others? Looking between a Caltric or a DB Electrical. Caltric for $20 and the DB Electrical is $30?

Thanks,

Seth
1982 KZ750 LTD

I haven't much luck with ether of those sellers. Links?
Steve

The DB Electrical has a 1-year warranty and "might" be made in the US.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081SA6EI/ref...A1E2MGYDTPEYH7&psc=1

The Caltric appears to have a 2-month warranty.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DH91K55/ref...A3QEAIM7YYCNN4&psc=1

One isn't even for a Kaw and the other says some parts might not fit. Maybe you would be better off buying a used one.
Steve

Seth82KZ750HLTD wrote: The DB Electrical has a 1-year warranty and "might" be made in the US.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081SA6EI/ref...A1E2MGYDTPEYH7&psc=1

The Caltric appears to have a 2-month warranty.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DH91K55/ref...A3QEAIM7YYCNN4&psc=1

Both of those kits look identical, except for the sellers name and the price. I didn't know they had aftermarket rebuild kits avaiable for these starters, but it does make sense, since china seems to find a way to produce cheap knock-off's of almost all things ever produced on this planet.
I have a caltric el-cheapo $27.00 stator in my bike right now, and it seems to be working.. so far.

2 months, two, years? What's the diff? lol

If something works for 2 months, it will likely last a year or two past that. Your call.

The thing is, will it cause more problems when / if it fails?

These guys are good to deal with

www.z1enterprises.com/electrical-parts/s...motor-brush-kit.html
Is your a 4 brush setup|

They also support KZR and advertise here