My starter on my 57 98 is playing up. When i turn the key it just clunks sometimes it turns over but slowly. I've cleaned the terminals and used 2 proven batteries,
Would it likely just need brushes? Has anyone else experienced this?

 

You can remove the starter and have it bench tested at an auto parts store. If it needs to be rebuilt you might be able to find a local electric shop that services alternators, starters, vacuum cleaners, etc. I'm not sure where you can get a replacement. Try these suppliers.

https://www.fusickautomotiveproducts.com/

https://www.kanter.com/

 

Cheers

 

If you can get some brushes and bushings, you can probably do it yourself. When it is apart, clean the armature with some 320 or 400 grit sandpaper. install the new bushings and brushes and you might be surprised. You are not talking about a lot of money but you will be doing some work. Your shop manual will show a breakdown and have instructions on how to rebuild the starter.

 

Unfortunately i don't have a manual. I can get the brushes here in New Zealand

 

Confirm that the battery is good, perform a voltage drop test to check the battery cables for high resistance, pull the starter and have a look inside. On cars this old the entire cranking system should be checked as small problems add up.

 

A genuine shop manual is the first thing you should buy when you buy and old car. They are pretty easy to find on ebay. Here is one I found for $25.

1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 98 service shop manual ORIGINAL OEM | eBay

Do not buy the reproductions or the DVD ones.

 

^^^THIS^^^

Scanned copies and DVDs could loose critical fidelity in the pictures.

I had an original copy and DVD manual of the 96 98 I used to own. They were the same manual, but I wouldn't risk it with such an old machine.

 

Cheers, the brushes are worn down to the max

 

After the starter is in working order I'd still suggest a voltage drop test on cables that could be 65 plus years old. If they are bad, new ones will make a significant improvement.

 

Yes

 

Make sure you post an after pic once you install those new brushes.

 

You can one new one amongst four worn ones