The starter motor is responsible for transforming electrical energy into kinetic energy, being responsible for the main engine starting, as its name indicates. The proper functioning of the rest of the components of an industrial machine, agricultural vehicle or car also depends on it.

In short, the starter motor is an essential component for the engine to work, both in gasoline engines and in diesel engines , so it is essential to know how the starter motor works .

At Comercial Méndez we tell you in depth everything you need to know about the starter motor.

starter motor parts

The main parts of a starter motor are:

  • Inductor coil: stores energy in a magnetic field thanks to self-induction.
  • Rotor: It is in charge of turning and giving movement to the pinion that engages in the flywheel.
  • Brushes: they are anchored to pusher springs to contact the collector.
  • Impeller: transmits the turning force and the revolutions of the rotor to the crown of the heat engine.
  • Solenoid: Activates the contact terminals, closing the electrical circuit of the starter motor.
  • Fork: element that moves the impeller to the toothed wheel of the flywheel.
  • Case: closes the magnetic circuit of the inductor.

parts-engine-starter

How does the starter motor work?

The starter motor is connected to the crankshaft coupled to a reduction ring gear. In turn, this crown integrates the flywheel of the heat engine. In this way, when we turn the ignition key, the starter motor will be activated with energy from the battery.

The electric current will thus generate a lever effect on the drive pinion, which will allow its coupling to the flywheel of the propelling block.

Finally, when the key returns to the rest position, the contactor will act in the same way and the circuit will once again remain open.

Currently, starter motors are geared motors, that is, smaller, faster and lighter systems. The component seeks to maximize energy savings from the battery as well as electrical power consumption.

Knowing how a starter motor works is important to understand its work and detect possible faults, since it is a part that tends to fail frequently. Do you know how to repair the starter?

Now you know how a starter motor works, remember that at Comercial Méndez we are official distributors of the most prestigious brands on the market. Take a look at our large stock !