Honda Civic. Manual — part 1060

Fig. 44: Checking Commutator Diameter
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

6. Measure the commutator (A) runout.

If the commutator runout is within the service limit, check the commutator
for carbon dust or brass chips between the segments.

If the commutator runout is not within the service limit, replace the
armature.

Commutator Runout

Standard (New): 0.02 mm (0.001 in.) max.
Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in.)

Fig. 45: Measuring Commutator Runout
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

7. Check the mica depth (A). If the mica is too high (B), undercut the mica with a

hacksaw blade to the proper depth. Cut away all the mica (C) between the

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

commutator segments. The undercut should not be too shallow, too narrow, or
V-shaped (D).

Commutator Mica Depth

Standard (New): 0.40-0.50 mm (0.016-0.020 in.)
Service Limit: 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)

Fig. 46: Checking Commutator Mica Depth
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

8. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an

open circuit between any of the segments, replace the armature.

Fig. 47: Checking Continuity Between Segments Of Commutator
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

9. Place the armature (A) on an armature tester (B). Hold a hacksaw blade (C) on

the armature core. If the blade is attracted to the core or vibrates while the core
is turned, the armature is shorted. Replace the armature.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

Fig. 48: Placing Armature On Armature Tester
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

10. Check with an ohmmeter for continuity between the commutator (A) and the

armature coil core (B), and between the commutator and the armature shaft
(C). If there is continuity, replace the armature.

Fig. 49: Checking Continuity Between Commutator And Armature Coil
Core
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Starter Brush Inspection

11. Measure the brush length. If it is shorter than the service limit, replace the

brush holder assembly.

Brush Length

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)

Standard (New): 11.1-11.5 mm (0.44-0.45 in.)
Service Limit: 4.3 mm (0.17 in.)

Fig. 50: Measuring Brush Length
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Starter Brush Holder Test

12. Check for continuity between the (+) brush (A) and (-) brush (B). If there is

continuity, replace the brush holder assembly.

Fig. 51: Checking Continuity Between Brush
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Planetary Gear Inspection

13. Check the planetary gears (A) and ring gear (B). Replace them if they are worn

or damaged.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Starting System (R18A1) - Civic (All Except Hybrid)