1958 Mark 58e Super Thunderbolt Starter Replacement.

[jeepjack1995]

I have a 1958 Mercury Kiekhaefer Mark 58E Super Thunderbolt. Serial # 1153973. I've had to have the starter rebuilt twice in the last 3 season. I have been trying to find an aftermarket starter that I can use instead of the original one and am having no luck. Does anyone know of a modern replacement? if so, please post a part number.
Thanks,
Jack.

 

[merc850]

What goes wrong with it? Low battery voltage can cause burnout and cranking it for too long - it should only be 15 sec. interval with 1 min. cool down.

 

[racerone]

Facts-----It was not properly rebuilt.-------Your battery may be defective.--------Using the wrong starting procedure.-----These motors should start right up in seconds if properly tuned.-----Your location ?------Good used ones may be easy to find.

 

[merc850]

Saw some on ebay. Or try johnsoldmercs.com

 

[jeepjack1995]

The brushes burn out. After the last rebuild the starter only cranked the motor 6 times before it quit and the brushes burned up again. I'm in Montana. The motor starts right up unless it's the first start on a cold morning. I was thinking there was a short that was causing the starter to stay engaged/not disengage properly. I have rebuilt the internal wiring harness and fixed some frayed wiring. Haven't looked into the control box/wiring harness from there to the engine yet. Is there no modern replacements for these starters? My local starter rebuild place has a hell of a time sourcing parts for the starter is why I ask. Any info that you can post so I can keep this starter from quitting is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jack

 

[racerone]

Something is WRONG if you burn brushes that fast !!------Brushes last for years and years.-------The average car gets 10 / 15 starts a day and they last how many years.----Think about it.

 

[jeepjack1995]

That makes sense. What could be causing them to burn up that fast? Am I correct in thinking that something is keeping the starter engaged after the motor is running? Thanks for the help.

 

[merc850]

When it was "rebuilt" did they replace the 2 bushings 1 at the top and 1 at the bottom? The commutator should also be cleaned and the spacers between the copper bars on the commutator should be cut down slightly; of course they know this.

 

[jeepjack1995]

I assume they replaced those bushing etc. although I don't know for certain. I have an inkling suspicion that they cut corners because they have such a difficult time sourcing parts for this starter. Does anyone know where to find parts to rebuild this starter? Perhaps I'll just do it myself.
Thanks, Jack

 

[racerone]

??-----Take it apart.------Take some ohm readings.--------Then look for a good used one as per post #3