Acura RL. Manual - part 811

Service Limit: 0.1 mm (0.004 in.)

Fig. 22: Checking Commutator Runout 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

10. Check the mica depth (A). If the mica is too high (B), undercut the mica with a hacksaw blade to the 

proper depth. Cut away all the mica (C) between the commutator segments. The undercut should not 
be too shallow, too narrow, or V-shaped (D). 

Commutator Mica Depth  

Standard (New): 0.40-0.50 mm (0.016-0.020 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.20 mm (0.008 in.)  

Fig. 23: Identifying Mica Depth 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

11. Check for continuity between the segments of the commutator. If there is an open circuit between any 

segments, replace the armature. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Starting System - RL

  

me 

 

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Fig. 24: Checking Continuity Between Segments Of Commutator 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

12. Place the armature (A) on an armature tester (B). Hold a hacksaw blade (C) on the armature core. If 

the blade is attached to the core or vibrates while the core is turned, the armature is shorted. Replace 
the armature. 

Fig. 25: Holding Hacksaw Blade On Armature Core 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

13. Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between the commutator (A) and the armature coil core (B), 

and between the commutator and the armature shaft (C). If there is continuity, replace the armature. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Starting System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:03:32 PM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 26: Checking Continuity Between Commutator And Armature Coil Core 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Starter Brush Inspection  

14. Measure the brush length (A). If it is shorter than the service limit, replace the brush holder assembly. 

Brush Length  

Standard (New): 7.7-8.0 mm (0.30-0.31 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.9 mm (0.04 in.)  

Fig. 27: Identifying Starter Brush Length 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Starter Brush Holder Test  

15. Check for continuity between the (+) brush (A) and (-) brush (B). If there is continuity, replace the 

brush holder assembly. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Starting System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:03:32 PM

Page 18 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 28: Identifying Starter Brushes 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Planetary Gear Inspection  

16. Check the planetary gears (A) and ring gear (B). Replace them if they are worn or damaged. 

Fig. 29: Identifying Planetary Gears And Ring Gear 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

Overrunning Clutch Inspection  

17. Slide the overrunning clutch along the shaft. Replace it if it does not slide smoothly.  

18. Rotate the overrunning clutch (A) in both directions. It should lock and move upward in one direction 

and rotate smoothly in the other direction. If it does not lock in either direction, or if it locks both 
directions, then replace it. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ENGINE Starting System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:03:32 PM

Page 19 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.