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Understanding Engine Starter Motor

Do you know without a starter motor an engine and its component won’t work? Well, you should
know. A starter motor is one of the major components used in an internal combustion engine that
is electrically powered. Because an engine cannot rotate on its own, a part is required to start the
first cycle. The starter motor helps to initiate the engine which then continually operates on its own
power.

Today we’ll be looking at the definition, function, parts, diagram, types, and working principle as
well as bad symptoms and troubleshooting of the starter motor.

Contents [hide]

Starter Motor Definition

A starter or starter motor is an electrical device that is used to rotate (crank) internal combustion
engines so as to initiate the engine’s operation under its own power. As soon as the engine begins
to run, it gets disconnected from the engine, which now relies on the combustion process. The
component is mounted on the engine’s gearbox housing, and the starter motor gear meets the
flywheel’s teeth.

Being an electrical component, a starter consists of a powerful DC (Direct Current) electric motor
and a solenoid. The solenoid receives positive power directly from the battery and heart current
from the engine body. In order to turn the engine, a 12-volt battery must be used to run the starter.
This means the battery has to be sufficient enough to power the device. In most situations where
the starter motor clicks but won’t start, the issue is either from the battery or the starter itself.

The starter motor has only one function which is the first and second rotations the engine needs.
Apart from that, the device is just an extra load on the vehicle. There should be another means of
starting vehicles without starter motors right? I think the component is too big for one function.

Most drivers improvise if the starter is faulty or battery power is low. The improvising is done by
pushing the vehicle back or fro just to begin the combustion process. Though this is not highly
advisable, in a situation where the battery needs to be charged by the vehicle’s alternator. We can
discuss the starter motor function and your experience improvising in the comment section.

Parts of the Starter Motor

Below are the starter motor parts and their functions:

Armature:

An armature is an electromagnet component that is mounted on the driveshaft or bearings for a

Commutator:

A commutator is a section of the shaft at the rear of the housing on which brushes run to conduct
electricity. It is made of two plates mounted to the axle of the armature, the plates provide
connections for the coil of the electromagnet.

Brushes:

Brushes are parts that run on a section of the commutator at the rear of the housing. it rubs the
commutator and conducts electricity.

Solenoid:

The solenoid features two coils of wire that are wrapped around the core. This solenoid serves as
a switch that connects and closes the electrical connection between the starter motor and the
vehicle’s battery.

Plunger:

The function of a plunger in a starter motor is to push forward so the pinion can be engaged.

Lever Fork:

The lever fork is connected to the plunger which makes them push forward together to engage the
pinion.

Pinion:

A pinion is a small mechanism containing gear and springs. It engages immediately after the
engine starts, by extending the gear to the flywheel teeth. The flywheel is the source of engine
rotation.

Field Coils:

The field coils are held in housing with screws as it consists of two or more coils connected in
series. These coils receive power from the battery that converts them into an electromagnet that
turns the armature. This creates a magnetic field around the armature.

Below is the diagram of a starter motor:

Types of Starter Motor

Below are the five types of starter and their difference:

Direct Drive Starter Motor DD

Direct drive is the most common and older type of starter motor available out there. it comes with
different applications and construction designs but it’s solenoid solenoid-operated unit. Well, its
working remains plain like other types.

The solenoid is energized by the car battery when the ignition switch or key is pressed. This
pushes the plunger to shift the lever that directs the pinion gear. The pinion gear then meshes with
the engine flywheel. So, as the starter motor spin, the flywheel spin along which then begins the
engine’s combustion to run on its own.

Planetary Gear PLGR

The existence of these types of starter motors has vastly replaced the direct-drive types. It is a
permanent magnet that transmits power between the pinion shaft and the armature. The armature
spins with more speed and torque. The essence of planetary gear is to reduce gear which further
reduces the requirement of high current.

There is a sun gear located at the end of the armature and three plenary carrier gears inside the
ring gear held stationary. Planetary gears are able to attain a great amount of gear reduction as
the ring gear is held and inputting the sun gear while outputting the carrier.

Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction PMGR

The permanent magnet gear reduction is designed to offer less weight, easy construction, and
less heat generation. It features four to six magnet field assemblies rather than field coil starters. It
has three terminals on the 12V solenoid and is also heavy-duty making it require less current.
Because there are no field coils, the commutator and brushes transfer current directly to the
armature.

Permanent Magnet Direct Drive PMDD

The PMDD types of starter motors are similar to the direct drive in several ways. Their difference
is that the field coil is replaced with permanent magnets in the permanent magnet direct drive type.

Off-Set Gear Reduction OSGR

These starter motor types work at high speeds at low currents. They are lighter and more compact
which makes them easy to assemble. Off-set gear reduction starters are common among the four-
wheel-drive vehicles as they increase cranking torque.

Inertial Starter

Inertial starters are the electric types that achieve the features of all types of starter motors. It
works perfectly fine during the cranking and even ensures the motor part’s safety. It starts the
engine strong and very fast, making it the best option for cracking speed. The amount of weight
associated with the torque capacity of the starter is extremely minimized.

Working Principle

The working of a starter is quite easy and interesting, but most drivers really don’t know the secret
behind motor cranking. When the ignition key or bottom is pressed, the transmission should be in
the park or neutral state. The battery voltage goes through the starter control circuit to activate the
solenoid.

The starter motor is powered by the solenoid, which helps to push the starter gear forward to
mesh with the engine flywheel. This flywheel is mounted on the engine crankshaft, so as the
starter motor spins it turns the flywheel so as the crankshaft. As soon as the engine starts, the
system disengages from the flywheel.

Note in an automatic transmission, starter motors can only be operated when the vehicle is in a
park or neutral position. In manual transmission, the clutch pedal must be depressed.
The working inside the starter motor, there are four field windings attached to the housing from
inside. The armature (rotating parts) is connected through the carbon brushes in series with the
field coils. But remember in some starters field coils are replaced with magnet fields. There is a
small gear at the front of the armature attached with an overrunning clutch.

Watch the video to have more understanding of how a starter motor works:

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Starter Motor

Below are the symptoms of bad starter motors:

Engine Won’t Crank Or Start:

This is one of the most common symptoms that occurs if a starter motor is bad. Well, a failing
battery, bad ignition switch, or engine mechanical problem can also be because. This is why the
problem must be diagnosed by a professional in the field.

Slow-cranking:

If you notice your engine cranking slowly, then you should know the starter motor has an internal
problem. However a weak battery and internal engine problem can also cause this issue. So,
seeing a good mechanic will help you determine and fix the problem.

Grinding Noise:

You’ll notice a grinding noise while starting the engine if the teeth on the starter pinion are
damaged. If the starter fails to quickly retract soon enough once the engine starts running. the
flywheel teeth can also be because of this problem.

Whirring Noise:

A whirring noise occurs when the starter pinion gear freewheels during the engine cranking. This
is because the pinion gear is not engaging the flywheel properly, which will also cause the engine
to fail to start.

Troubleshooting Starter Motor Problems

Below are the ways to troubleshoot starter motor problems as a DIYer:

Inspecting the vehicle’s battery and battery cables to see if they are in order. A weak or dead
battery or faulty cables could be the cause.

Tap the Starter:

Using a light spinner to tap the body of a starter motor could also help. It should be lightly done to
avoid breaking the component. Tapping might get the electrical parts back in contact with each
other or clear dirt blocking the parts.

Adjust the Transmission:

If a starter refuses to start in an automatic transmission, you should try changing from Park to
Neutral. If it starts in neutral, then there may be a technical glitch that’s preventing the car from
starting in Park.

Check the Fuel Gauge:

This sounds silly, right? In modern combustion engines, an empty tank can cause a vehicle not to
start due to the sensor installed on it.

Related Article:

Seized Engine: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, and How to Fix

Symptoms Of A Bad Starter

Starter not engaging: Causes and How to Diagnose the Issue

How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild an Engine?

Where To Hit Starter With Hammer

In conclusion, we’ve examined thoroughly the engine starter motor, its function, and its parts. We
also saw the different types of starter motors, how they work, and their bad symptoms and
troubleshooting. I hope you enjoyed the reading, if so, kindly comment, share, and recommend
this site, to other technical students. Thanks!

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