Chapters 28 Starting System Fundamentals

What we call the starting system is really the cranking system

There are 2 types of startersDirect drive, or 1:1

Crank @ ~ 250 rpm

Gear reduction, 2:1-4:1 Crank @ ~ 200 rpm

The parts of the starter

The Cranking ProcessAn electromagnet pulls the plunger into the

solenoid, engaging the starter’s pinion gear with the flywheel’s ring gear

Current travels to the armature through the brushes and commutator

An electromagnetic field created in the armature core windings causes the armature to spin

Field coils are used to strengthen the magnetic field

The overrunning clutch disengages the starter from the engine once it has started

Solenoids can be part of the starter or remote

Voltage drop test Engine must be cranking during test

Volt/Amp TesterTesting Battery Voltage

Testing Starter Draw

Why do we hit the starter when the engine won’t crank?