Internal combustion engines require external energy to start operation. A self starter or starter motor is used to rotate the crank and provide that energy. The self starter is mounted between the gearbox housing and flywheel. Car self starters consist of a Direct Current (DC) motor and solenoid to handle the excessive resistance created while starting the engine. In this guide, we will cover complete information about the car self starter, its types and its working.
Types of Car Self-Starter
Self starter for cars was introduced to exclude the manual ways of starting an internal combustion engine common in the nineteenth century vehicles. Since their invention in the early 1900s, self starters have evolved a lot. Currently, there are three types of starter motors used in cars. Let’s take a quick look.
Electric
An electric starter is commonly used in petrol and diesel engines. These starters consist of either magnet or DC motor and a starter solenoid attached at the top of it. When you switch ignition on, DC power is supplied to a solenoid which meshes the pinion with the starter ring gear on the flywheel. Different variations of the electric and magnetic starter are used in recent times.
- Planetary Gear: It uses a permanent magnet to create a connection between the pinion shaft and armature. The direct connections enable it to spin faster and create more torque.
- Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction: It uses 4 to 6 magnets rather than a coil starter. The current is directly transferred to the armature and reduces energy consumption.
- Offset Gear Reduction: In this starter, a gear train is included between the motor and shaft. This enables it to generate higher cranking torque while being lightweight.
Pneumatic
The pneumatic self starters are usually used in heavy diesel and petrol engines. It consists of a pressure tank, air compressor and geared turbine. When the compressed air is released from the chamber, it spins the turbine and sets of gears in the flywheel.
Hydraulic
Diesel engines with 6 to 16 cylinders use hydraulic starter motors. These starter motors are free from spark and considered safer than other types. The system consists of; pumps, valves, reservoirs, filters and piston accumulators. The motor works on an axial piston motor concept that is capable of generating high torque regardless of the temperature.
Working of Self-Starter
The working of the starter is initiated when the key is turned to the ‘Ignition On’ position. The on position provides DC to the solenoid which activates the electromagnet and attracts an armature. When the armature moves closer, it completes the circuit between battery and starter. Once the connection is completed, the starter gear mesh with the engine flywheel. This flywheel is placed on the crankshaft, so when the flywheel moves it rotates the crankshaft and starts the engine. The system disengages itself once the engine is started. The basic role of the self-starter is to provide the first two spins to the engine, and the rest is catered by the engine itself.
Symptoms of Failing Self-Starter
Self starters are prone to damage due to excessive functioning. The components can get corroded and worn out which start malfunctioning. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a used car for sale in the UAE, ensure that it has a proper functioning starter. See the following list of failing self-starter symptoms.
Disengaged Engine: The engine not making a crank sound means that your car self-starter is not working. In this condition, the starter gets activated but fails to engage the engine. Grinding Sound: The teeth on the starter pinion can get worn out with time and start making these car sounds that should not be ignored. This can create a significant negative impact on the efficiency of the starter motor.
Erratic Starting: A properly working starter will send enough DC current every time you start the engine. If it fails to do so, you may face trouble in starting your vehicle.
Smoke from Exhaust: If you see your car blowing white smoke, it can be due to the overheated starter motor. This is due to the; short circuit, blown fuse or improperly functioning ignition switch.
Lights Get Dim after Starting Vehicle: Dimming dashboard lights while starting the engine represents a short circuit in wiring.
Self-Starter Replacement Cost
Starter motor can wear out with time. If the motor malfunctions, it will cause trouble in starting the engine. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the starter as soon as symptoms appear. The new self-starter will cost around AED 110, but the price can vary for different cars and models.
Starter motors are one of the most critical parts under the hood, as internal combustion engines will not start without them. Therefore, it is obligatory for the car owners to regularly maintain their motors for proper working. However, if you are having trouble with regular maintenance of the motor, buy electric vehicles. The electric engines use batteries to initiate the engine, which exempts the need for a traditional self-starter. See the following best electric vehicles to buy in the UAE.
- Buy Tesla Model X for sale in the UAE
- Buy BMW i3 for sale in the UAE
- Buy Chevrolet Bolt for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car parts.
Related Posts
