Copper from starter!

**BubbasGarage** · 12-10-2011, 11:40 AM

Alright guy, just took all the copper out of my alternator, on to the starter! Already took the copper out of the solinoid. Now im working on the big center thing. Im sitting here with a screw driver, side cutter and a pliers and im cutting the copper then pulling it through the little slits.. I have a feeling that there is an easier way? Any help would be great. Also, it looks like the field coils are copper, is this correct? Thanks!

**eesakiwi** · 12-10-2011, 08:23 PM

I use a grinder to cut the end loops off the 'hardest to get to end'.
Then I put the thing in a fire to burn off the insulation & then I get to pull the loops out easy like.

The outer casing, if its got screws holding the inner bits of steel on, undo them, I use a impact driver or a small cold chisle to turn the screws, once they are loose they turn easylike.
Otherwise I pick out the copper loops, if theres varnish, I burn them first.

The solenoid, I bash the Bakelite part till it breaks & the bits fall out, then I get in & remove the coil, theres a fair bit of copper in the solenoid.

The bolts & nuts can be copper too.

**Mechanic688** · 12-10-2011, 10:47 PM

The bolts & nuts can be copper too.

On solenoids aren't the bolts brass instead of copper?? If their not steel.

**BubbasGarage** · 12-10-2011, 10:50 PM

thanks eesakiwi! Ill giver a try!

Knew there was an easier way out there

**eesakiwi** · 12-11-2011, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

On solenoids aren't the bolts brass instead of copper?? If their not steel.

They 'can' be, most that I have found have been copper. Theres also a brass tube in the solenoid.
Don't forget the actual contacts, I haven't worked with the contacts yet, just threw them in with the copper.

I am looking at all the contacts I find now, of all sorts, since I will be getting into the electroplating side of things soon.