Starter Motor: Types, Signs Of Failure And Price

The starter motor is an essential component for starting a vehicle.

Without it, the car’s engine can’t start the combustion cycle and, consequently, the vehicle won’t move.

Explore in this article what this component is, how it works, the different types, signs of failure and repair costs.

 

What Is The Starter Motor?

The starter is an electric engine powered by the vehicle’s battery.

This component uses electrical energy to create mechanical movement, allowing the car to start as soon as the key is pressed.

 

What Does A Starter Motor Do?

The main function of this component is to start a vehicle’s internal combustion engine.

In summary, it transforms electrical energy from the battery into mechanical movement, turning the engine’s flywheel to start the combustion cycle.

 

How Does The Starter Work?

The starter’s operation is based on a simple but effective electrical circuit.

In a summarized form, this component works as follows:

  1. Operate the ignition key and the engine battery switches on the dashboard;
  2. Engages the starter motor when you try to turn the ignition key one more time;
  3. The starter motor drives a rotating crank;
  4. The crank drives the flywheel;
  5. The first explosion takes place inside the engine block;
  6. The engine starts running normally.

 

What Are The Types Of Starter Motor?

Starter motors can change depending on the model and specifications of the vehicle. Here are the main types:

 

Electric

This is the most common type used in gasoline and small diesel engines.

It has a direct current permanent magnet or series-parallel winding, with a starter solenoid (similar to a relay) installed on it.

When direct current from the starter battery is applied to the solenoid, usually through a switch operated by a key, the solenoid engages a lever that pushes the drive pinion on the starter motor shaft.

 

Pneumatic

Some gas turbine engines and diesel engines, especially in trucks, use an pneumatic starter.

In land vehicles, the system consists of a geared turbine, an air compressor and a pressure tank.

The compressed air released from the reservoir is used to turn the turbine and, via a set of reduction gears, engages the ring gear on the engine flywheel, similar to an electric starter.

Once the motor is running, it activates the compressor to recharge the tank.

 

Hydraulic

Some 6 to 16 cylinder diesel engines are started by a hydraulic motor.

Hydraulic starters and associated systems provide a reliable, spark-free method of starting engines in a wide range of temperatures.

This hydraulic model is generally found in applications such as remote generators, lifeboat propulsion engines, offshore fire pumping engines and hydraulic fracturing platforms.

The system used to support the hydraulic starter includes valves, pumps, filters, a reservoir and piston accumulators.

 

 

What Do You Call The Fixed Part Of The Starter Motor?

The fixed part of this component is called the stator.

The stator is essential for creating the magnetic field needed to run the motor.

This component, combined with the rotor, provides the rotary movement needed to start the vehicle’s engine.

 

What Are The Components Of The Starter Motor?

This component consists of 8 parts:

  1. Armor;
  2. Commutator;
  3. Brushes;
  4. Solenoid;
  5. Puncture;
  6. Fork Lever;
  7. Pinion;
  8. Call coils.

 

What Is The Function Of The Starter Motor Call Coil?

The starter’s call coil consists of two or more coils sealed in a box inside the component, connected in series.

Its function is to act as a magnetic switch which, when it receives electric current from the battery, pushes the pinion so that it engages with the engine flywheel.

This mechanism starts the internal combustion engine moving, allowing the vehicle to start.

It also ensures that the component disengages automatically after starting, preventing damage from prolonged use.

 

 

What Causes Starting Problems?

The main factors that contribute to problems with this component are:

  • Discharged Or Weak Battery: unable to supply sufficient power to the starter motor;
  • Loose Or Corroded Electrical Connections: affect the flow of energy;
  • Worn Brushes: common in older starter motors;
  • Damaged Call Coil: prevents the pinion from activating;
  • Overheating: the result of excessive use or internal faults;
  • Flywheel Problems: make it difficult to engage the pinion.

 

How Do I Know If My Starter Motor Is Bad? 

To identify starter motor problems, you should look out for signs such as a dull click.

Find out below what the main signs of damage to this component are.

 

What Are The Fault Symptoms Indicating Starter Motor Problems?

The main fault indicators in this component are:

  1. Click When Turning The Key: indicates that the call coil is active, but the engine does not move, suggesting faults in the pinion or starter motor circuit;
  2. Slow Start Or Car Won’t Start: this may be related to a weak battery or worn brushes;
  3. Burning Smell: an indication of overheating in the electrical system;
  4. Metallic Noises: these can be caused by worn teeth on the pinion or flywheel.

 

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Starter Motor?

The average lifespan of this component varies between 100,000 and 150,000 km, depending on the conditions of use and maintenance.

 

How To Prevent Starter Motor Breakdowns?

The best way to extend the lifespan of this component is to carry out preventive maintenance. To this end, you should:

  1. Check The Battery Regularly: a low battery can overload this component;
  2. Avoid Frequent Starts: take breaks between starting attempts to avoid overheating;
  3. Carry Out Periodic Inspections: keep electrical connections clean and checked.

 

 

Can A Broken Starter Be Repaired Or Must It Be Replaced?

In many cases, it is possible to repair the starter motor, especially if the problem is with components such as brushes or solenoids.

However, if the damage is serious or the part is badly worn, it must be replaced.

 

How Long Does It Take To Replace a Starter Motor? 

It takes about an hour to install this component with simple access.

However, this time may vary depending on the type of starter, its access and the extent of the fault.

 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Starter Motor? 

The price of replacing this component is in the hundreds of euros, depending on the price of the part and the labor.

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