Classic/Antique Car Repair: STARTER, pole pieces, electric starter

Question
Dick

Hi,  I have a 1938 automobile that has an
electric starter. Every once in a while, it
binds up,  How do I maintain this, it looks
like there is an oiler in the top

thanks

Ken

Answer
The oiler cap is a place to put a few drops of oil, but most likely the bearings are worn out, and you'll need to take it to a starter rebuilding shop and have it gone through.  The bearings are plain bushings, and once they get a little egg shaped, your armature can bind up on the pole pieces.  You need to have this fixed soon, as you can do very serious damage to the starter by continuing to use it that way.

Dick.