1. Key or Ignition Switch:
When you turn the key or press the ignition button in your vehicle, you are essentially completing a circuit that sends electrical power to the starter. This action closes a solenoid switch, which allows electricity to flow into the starter motor.
2. Solenoid Switch:
The solenoid switch serves two main purposes:
- It engages the starter motor with the engine's flywheel.
- It allows electricity to flow from the battery to the starter motor.
3. Starter Motor:
The starter motor consists of an electric motor, an armature, and a gear called a Bendix gear or starter drive. When electrical power reaches the starter motor:
- The electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, causing the armature to spin rapidly.
- The spinning armature turns the Bendix gear.
- The Bendix gear moves forward and engages with the vehicle's flywheel, which is connected to the engine's crankshaft.
4. Engagement with Flywheel:
As the Bendix gear engages with the flywheel, it begins to turn the flywheel. This, in turn, rotates the engine's crankshaft, causing the pistons to move and initiating the combustion process.
5. Disengagement of Starter:
Once the engine starts and reaches a sufficient speed, the starter motor disengages from the flywheel. This is important to prevent damage to the starter and other engine components.
6. Return to Rest Position:
After disengagement, the Bendix gear retracts, and the starter motor returns to its rest position, ready for the next ignition cycle.
The starter is powered by the vehicle's battery, and it draws a significant amount of electrical current during the cranking process. That's why it is important to ensure that your vehicle's battery is in good condition and has enough power to crank the engine. If the battery is weak or discharged, the starter may not be able to engage with the flywheel effectively, resulting in difficulty starting the engine.
