While attempting to replace the worn contacts in my Denso starter I shattered the red plastic plate that the contacts sit on. Its this red plate here (borrowed picture):

 

:

 

I believe this happened when removing the battery cable from the starter. The cable twisted instead of the nut holding it in place. The nut was binded to copper bolt, which spun the copper contact, therefore shattering the brittle red plastic plate.

 

Anyways, does anyone know if the plastic piece is replaceable? I can't find it on any part lists and my dealership doesn't sell it. Also, would the starter still be functional without it? I'd hate to have to buy a new starter because of a stupid piece of plastic. Thanks!

Your best bet is to find a starter at the junk yard. Depending on their price, take the whole thing, or just that part off it.

That red thing is an insulator, so yes, it's fairly important.

No chance of gluing it back together?

Too much heat/vibartion/ozone there to have any epoxy hold it togehter, and really whay take the chance on being in the middle of no where and have the starter fail.

The red piece is in about 15 different pieces so, glue isnt an option. I'll be checking ebay for starters. 

Everyone be careful removing rusted on battery cables!

Just fashion a new one from some similar thickness plastic. Not rocket science - just has to be non-conductive.

 

GD

Just fashion a new one from some similar thickness plastic. Not rocket science - just has to be non-conductive.

 

GD

Electronic "breadboard" (phenolic circuitboard) from RadioShack might be a good choice.

 

Edit:  If you work with phenolic board, take respiratory precautions.  Dust from phenolic boards is nasty stuff. :endEdit

Edited February 15, 201313 yr by NorthWet

Find a company that rebuilds starters and alternators; they should be able to help.

My other thought was to just fill the whole thing with epoxy.