The starting system consists of an electric starter motor and a starter solenoid. When you turn the ignition key, the starter motor spins the engine a few revolutions so that the combustion process can start. It takes a powerful motor to spin a cold engine.

A starter motor must overcome not only all the internal friction caused by the piston rings but also the compression of any cylinder(s). The starter motor must also be powerful enough to absorb the energy needed to open and close valves. It needs to also overcome the energy required with the camshaft, the water pump, oil pump, alternator, etc.

Because so much energy is required and a car uses a 12-volt electrical system, hundreds of amps of electricity must flow into the used starter motor. The starter motor is a series-wound direct current electric motor with a solenoid switch mounted on it. A low-current power from the starting battery is applied to the solenoid, usually, through a key-operated switch. This pushes out a small pinion gear on the used starter motor’s shaft. The pinion gear is meshed with the ring gear on the flywheel of the engine. The solenoid also closes high-current contacts for the starter motor and it starts to run. Once the engine starts, the key operated switch is opened; a spring in the solenoid assembly pulls the pinion gear away from the ring gear, and the starter motor stops.

In case a used starter motor does not turn when ignition key is being turned, check battery cables and connections. Charge the battery if essential. Clean brushes and guides of brush holders. Clean the commutator and recondition the used starting motor. If armature or field coils are defective, overhaul the used starting motor. In case the action of the used starter motor is slow or sluggish, charge the battery.

If the used starting motor is heard to operate, but, the engine cranks erratically, the possibilities are that either the drive pinion or the flywheel gear ring is defective. Replace drive pinion/flywheel or re-machine gear ring, as applicable. If the drive pinion does not move out of mesh because the drive pinion or armature shaft is dirty or damaged, overhaul starting motor. In case the solenoid switch is defective, replace it.

You can order online / offline from a network of salvage yards at affordable prices. Online sites provide a cost effective and efficient means of obtaining used parts.

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