STARTING SYSTEM: COMPONENTS AND WORKING PRINCIPLES

The engine can’t “start” rotational movement on its own. It needs an electric motor to get it up to a minimal RPM to run, then the engine can run under its power. The starter is the biggest load on the vehicle's electrical system. We cannot simply run all that current through the ignition switch, in most systems a relay is used to activate the starter solenoid, and the starter solenoid itself acts as another relay to engage the starter motor (explained later). Before electric starters, automobile owners needed to crank the engine over themselves! This was not ideal for any kind of quick getaway.

The starter motor is an electric motor that rotates your engine to allow the spark and fuel injection systems to begin the engine's operation under its power. Typically, the starter is a large electric motor and stator coil mounted to the bottom (generally to one side) of the vehicle's transmission bell housing where it connects to the engine itself. The starter has gears that mesh with a large flywheel gear on the backside of the engine, which turns the central crankshaft. Because this is a lot of physical weight and friction to overcome, starter motors are generally powerful, high-speed motors and use an ignition coil to ramp up their power before engaging.


COMPONENTS OF STARTING SYSTEM

1. Battery

2. Ignition Switch

3. Neutral Safety Switch

4. Starter Relay

5. Battery Cables

6. Starter Motor

Starter motor parts

1. Starter Solenoid

2. Starter Motor

3. Starter Drive Pinion