Starter Motor / Generator

[simco]

Have an old Fordson Power Major that is still lever start. First time lever is pushed down nothing second time it starts to wind but winds for several minutes before actually starting. Starter motor or generator?

[PghBill]

Could be several things but not your generator. Starter brushes could be worn or dirty. Check wiring connections at your main switch, starter switch,starter and solenoid. They should be clean and tight. Be sure the solenoid is grounded well thru the mounting screws. If you have a 4 terminal solenoid, make sure the ground wire is tight and the connections are clean. Main switch or starter switch contacts could be getting worn. Or solenoid could be getting weak.

[Brian Cox]

I had much the same prob. with mine,took starter off, opened it up to find dirty oily stuff inside.Also broken spring, brush on broken spring side worn down to very little.
Cleaned it all up,replaced spring and brush gave the commutator a rub down and a cut. Hey presto works like new

[simco]

Worth a try.

Have cleaned all the terminals and brushes and winds fast enough to turn over but does not turnover.

[simco]

I had much the same prob. with mine,took starter off, opened it up to find dirty oily stuff inside.Also broken spring, brush on broken spring side worn down to very little.
Cleaned it all up,replaced spring and brush gave the commutator a rub down and a cut. Hey presto works like new

You may have got it in one. Pulled it down today and exactly what you said. Many thanks