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Starter Notes

The document provides information on starting system components and testing procedures. It identifies key starter motor parts like the armature, commutator, brushes, pole shoes, and field coils. It describes how to test a starting system by checking cranking RPM, volts, and amps. High amps could indicate issues like low voltage, a slow or worn starter motor, or incorrect ignition timing. The document emphasizes the importance of always disconnecting the battery ground before working on the starter motor.

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solomon
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333 views38 pages

Starter Notes

The document provides information on starting system components and testing procedures. It identifies key starter motor parts like the armature, commutator, brushes, pole shoes, and field coils. It describes how to test a starting system by checking cranking RPM, volts, and amps. High amps could indicate issues like low voltage, a slow or worn starter motor, or incorrect ignition timing. The document emphasizes the importance of always disconnecting the battery ground before working on the starter motor.

Uploaded by

solomon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Starting Systems

State a major safety precaution when


removing or working around a
starting motor…

…Always unhook the battery ground


before attempting to remove the
starter motor.
Starting Systems
Identify the following components
Armature
Commutator
Brushes
Pole Shoe
Field Coil
The Armature is a rotating
electromagnet
Brushes transfer electrons from
the stationary field coils to the
spinning armature
Field Coils are Stationary
Electromagnets
Pole Shoes concentrate the
stationary magnetic field
Starting Systems
Identify the following components
Starter housing or frame
Bushings
Starter Drive Pinion
Over-running clutch
Armature spins in replaceable bushings
located at both ends of the starter housing
Bushings will wear out and should always be replaced if
replacing brushes or rebuilding starter motor
Starter drive pinion uses and over-running clutch.
This allows the starter gear to drive the flywheel and
then spin freely once the engine starts.
bendix or over-running clutch - the construction of this gear
protects the Armature from being spun by the engine flywheel.
Starter Diagnosis
Damage to drive pinion means flywheel teeth may be worn also.
Always inspect entire flywheel as damaged ring gear will cause noisy
starter (stripped gears) and requires removal of engine or transmission to
replace
Worn out bushings...

Will slow the starter and


INCREASE amp draw
Worn or Dry
Armature shaft will
INCREASE amp flow
Burned commutator bars
restrict the amp flow
Worn out brushes
DECREASE amp flow
There will be more questions...

...On the test….


…than I am covering here.
Read your book…
and complete starter Labs
Test the Starting System
Check Cranking RPM

Check Cranking Volts

Check Cranking Amps


Low Cranking RPM
A slow turning starter will pull extra amps

Could be caused by tight motor


(New Engines)

Can be caused by advanced timing


(recheck with ignition turned off)
Cranking Volts
Power is required to turn motor

P=IxE
Low volts will cause high amps
Low Cranking Volts
Cranking volts at battery should be over 10V

Load test battery if low cranking volts

Excessive amp draw can cause low cranking volts


in a good batter
High Cranking Amps
Check voltage drop across
STARTER MOTOR

If Battery cranking volt is 1/2 volt more


than Starter volt drop diagnose battery
cables and connections
If cranking volts are within 1/2
volt of battery…
Insure motor turns freely

Insure ignition does not cause slow turning motor

Replace Starter Motor


(assuming there are excessive amps)
These are only rough maximum cranking amps.
Actual amps will depend on starter design!
Common Cranking Amps
4 Cylinder gasoline
150 amps

6 Cylinder gasoline
200 amps

8 Cylinder gasoline
250 amps
Before you install the rebuilt starter

Bench test the replacement

It may save you a starter R & R


Starting Systems
Understand the operation of the two starting
circuits

#1 Starter Control Circuit

#2 Starter Motor Circuit


Starter Relays
Understand the function of the Pull In
solenoid windings….
…and the hold in solenoid windings
More electrical power is needed to pull in the solenoid
(and engage the starter pinion gear with the flywheel)

Once the solenoid is ON the pull in windings lose their


ground and that power is now available to the starter motor
Starter Solenoids
Predict the effect of an open circuit in the
solenoid pull in windings….
….and the solenoid hold in windings
The following 2 pictures show how an open hold in winding
will cause the starter to rapidly click OFF and ON

This same symptom happens with a low power (dead) battery


If volts are over 10 volts while cranking, a clicking starter is
caused by a bad solenoid on the starter motor
Starter Control
Identify variations in starter control circuits

There are many variations and starter controls.

For non-cranking starters always study the wiring diagram to


help you decide how to diagnose the system
Test the Starting System

Test cranking RPM


Test Cranking Volts
Test Cranking Amps

For a routine test of the starting circuit always pay attention to


Cranking RPM (should not sound slow – over 200 RPM)
Cranking Volts (Should always stay above 10 Volts
Cranking Amps (less is better as long as RPM is good)

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