1961 Cadillac starter motor

[CAD161]

Hey,  does anyone know if you can find a starter motor for a 61 Cadillac here in Australia?   Shipping from
The us is a killer.   Any info would be appreciated.  Chris

[Bruce Reynolds]

What is wrong with yours?

If yours is burnt out, and you have a good snout, then you can use most any guts from another Starter to replace the burnt-out or damaged parts.

What you have is the same as a '61 and '62 Starter, and the earlier parts, and probably later parts will interchange, except for the actual mounting casting piece.

This will give you a wider choice and availability.

The reason the '59 and '60 Starters won't bolt straight in is that the bellhousings for '61 and '62 were slightly relocated because of a raising of the Sump height, to allow the engine to be placed lower in the chassis.

Bruce.

[CAD161]

Hey Bruce, thanks for the info. Not 100 percent sure what’s wrong I feel it has been going for a while and now is just gone.  It is a after market part not sure if they are worth rebuilding or if it’s just better to look for a rebuilt genuine part.

[Bruce Reynolds]

Chris,

These things aren't rocket science, and are easy to pull to pieces, and rebuild, if there isn't any broken wires in the Armature or Field Coils.

The Commutator could need rubbing with a piece of Emery paper to clean it, the Brushes could need replacing, the Bushes could need replacing (No bearings in these Starters).

Plus, the Solenoid could just need the contacts cleaning or turning, and the Bendix could need replacing, if it is worn out in the roller clutch.

They are like all Basic GM Starter Motors, and the Cadillac uses the one with the heavier duty field coils.

You do have a Shop Manual?   If you want to give me a ring, my number is in the Membership Directory.

Bruce.

[CAD161]

Hey Bruce,
thanks again I do have a shop manual . I will pull it out and have a look. Thanks for the offer to give you a call I’ll see how I go and will let you know. 
Chris