The starter is a key element of an internal combustion engine. Know the symptoms of failure!

Starter in the car - what role does it play? 

Internal combustion vehicles running on gasoline or diesel fuel must have a starting unit. An integral part of it is the car starter. It belongs to the category of simple accessories and consists of an electric motor and a rail that allows you to drive the flywheel. Its action is instantaneous, and the device itself transmits the appropriate force to start the process of rotation of the crankshaft.

What is a car starter? 

The design of the drive unit is based on the use of a DC motor. Most often, a starter in a car is an electrical equipment powered by a battery. Available designs are also based on pneumatic system and combustion system. You use this element every time you want to start the engine by turning the key in the ignition or pressing the start button.

Starter in the car - design

Typical automotive starter components include:

• bendix - clutch assembly, consisting of a freewheel, gear and spring;
• rotor;
• stator coil;
• carbon brushes;
• electromagnetic
• case.

Depending on the model used, the starter in the car may have different sizes. However, most often it is a small device with enough power to drive the crankshaft. It is in the range of 0,4-10 kW.

How the starter works

The key is the voltage transmitted from the battery to the electromagnetic switch. Under its influence, the bendix (clutch assembly) is pulled out and supplies current to the brushes. Next, the rotor is driven into rotation using a magnetic field and stator magnets. The solenoid in the starter plays a very important role, as it is the current sensor, allowing the flywheel to move.

As soon as the flywheel begins to rotate, the clutch assembly performs another role. Its task is to block the transmission of torque from the crankshaft to the starter gears. Otherwise, the power of the starting internal combustion engine would quickly damage the entire starting unit.

Signs of car starter wear. How to recognize a failure and breakdown of the starter?

You will know that the starter is not working properly by the way the car starts. In many cases, the first symptom is difficulty starting the unit. You will very easily recognize the difficulties with the starting speed of the engine at the moment of failure, because the whole process is lengthened and the crank-piston system rotates more slowly. Some drivers also complain about interfering ignition noises, which can also be looked for if starter wear is suspected.

Fortunately, the boot device is not prone to frequent crashes. Most often, starting problems are caused by wear on a particular element. If you have never repaired this component before, check the condition of the brushes first. In most cases, they are to blame for poor starter performance. Replacing this element does not always require a visit to the workshop, and you can handle it yourself. However, sometimes there may be difficulties with the operation of the starter due to wear of the bearings and bushings. What to do then?

Regeneration or buying a starter?

Basically, you have a few options on how to fix a bad starter in your car. Much depends on the extent of the damage itself, as well as the cost of repairing or buying another device. You can take your car starter to a specialist workshop that rebuilds electrical accessories. In this way, you will save a lot of money that you would have to spend on a new item. Sometimes the problem is so easy to fix that buying one item (carbon brushes) and replacing them completely solves the problem.

New or used starter?

However, it happens that repairing the starter in the car will not work and you will be forced to buy a new part. Thanks to the durability of car starters, it is safe to be interested in used versions. It shouldn't be too risky. Remember, however, that you should choose a starter in the car according to the parameters, and not be guided only by the dimensions and bolt spacing fasteners. A starting device from a gasoline engine will not work in a diesel engine. Therefore, you should match the new model to your vehicle based on the numbers on the nameplate.

Replacing the starter in a car is a last resort. Check out the available repair options so you don't overpay!