Remember the days when starting a car meant a good old-fashioned arm workout? Well, that was before 1912, when the first electric starter motor made its grand entrance. Fast forward to today, and starting your car is as easy as turning a key or pressing a button. Here’s the lowdown on your car starter motor.
While it seems like a one-step process, there's a whole symphony of actions happening behind the scenes before your engine roars to life.
- The engine control module (ECM) kicks things off by priming the fuel pump and building up pressure in the fuel system.
- Next, it runs through its checklist, ensuring every sensor is in tip-top shape and powering up the ignition system.
- This all unfolds in mere milliseconds. Your key or button may start the show, but it’s the ECM that sends the start signal. Most cars from before the 2010s rely on a trusty relay switch to set the starter motor in motion.
Once everything is ready to go, the starter motor receives the signal and engages two mechanisms that work in harmony to spin the engine. And just like that, your engine comes to life! Remember, the starter motor is the key player in getting your engine up to speed—unless you’re rocking a manual transmission!
Discover the Magic of Starter Motors
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of starter motors! At the heart of this mechanism, you'll find two key players: the main starter motor drive and the solenoid. Their operation varies depending on your vehicle's age and brand, but the excitement starts with the electric motor, which uses brushes to spin the armature shaft.
Now, let's talk about the types of starter motors. In a direct-drive starter motor, the motor spins the pinion gear directly, while modern vehicles often opt for a gear reduction starter motor. This clever design means a smaller, more compact unit. It features a separate pinion gear that interacts with a drive gear on the main motor, using an idler gear and a centrifugal clutch to get the job done. The solenoid plunger then brings the pinion gear to life!
Pinion Gear Drives Unleashed
Every starter motor is equipped with a pinion gear that meshes perfectly with the flywheel or flexplate's ring gear. For the magic to happen, the pinion gear must shift out from the starter motor. If you hear a whirring sound but your engine isn't turning over, it’s likely the pinion gear hasn’t engaged.
The way the pinion gear is actuated sets the stage for two main types of starter motors: plunger-actuated and Bendix-actuated.
Bendix-actuated starter motors, popular in older vehicles like Fords, feature a drive shaft, pinion gear, spring, and lock washer, all working together with the main starter motor armature shaft. Here, the solenoid only handles electrical switching, leaving the pinion gear engagement to the Bendix assembly. When the engine roars to life, the ring gear's speed pulls the pinion gear away, which can be a drawback if the engine doesn't start.
On the other hand, plunger-actuated starter motors, the go-to since the 1970s, use a mechanical plunger and fork driven by the solenoid. When powered, the solenoid energises the main starter motor drive and pushes the plunger to engage the pinion gear with the ring gear. Once the engine starts, a handy clutch on the pinion gear lets it spin faster than the starter motor, preventing burnout.
So there you have it! The inner workings of starter motors are a blend of engineering brilliance that keeps your vehicle running smoothly.
Spotting a Struggling Starter Motor
Your starter motor isn’t likely to go down without a fight, but when it starts showing signs of distress, it’s time to pay attention. First things first, make sure the battery is charged – a dead battery can mimic starter motor troubles.
- Grinding – If you hear grinding when trying to start your engine, it’s time to stop. This often means the pinion gear or the engine's ring gear is worn or damaged. Ignoring this can lead to costly repairs if the ring gear gets chipped.
- Clunking or buzzing – A clunking sound could mean the starter motor is missing the teeth of the ring gear. This might be the gear hitting the ring, the solenoid plunger moving without engaging the main drive motor, or an internal failure. If you only hear buzzing, the starter motor is likely locked up.
- Free-spinning – If your starter motor spins rapidly with a whirring noise, it indicates that the plunger or Bendix isn’t engaging. While this can happen occasionally, repeated occurrences signal a deeper issue with the starter motor.
What to Do If the Starter Motor Fails
If your starter motor's playing hard to get, start by checking those electrical connections. Look at the battery terminals, starter motor battery lead, and trigger wires—corrosion and damage can sneak in and create trouble. If the starter motor doesn’t activate at all, it’s likely an electrical issue. A clicking or buzzing sound? That could still point to an electrical fault. For those with older Ford or Bendix-style starter motors, don’t forget to check the remote-mounted solenoid first; they have a reputation for letting us down.
If everything looks good but the starter motor still won’t budge, here’s a fun little trick: grab a small hammer, a pipe, or even a two-by-four, and give the starter motor body a gentle tap. No need for heavy whacks—just some “love taps” to free a stuck solenoid. This may get it humming again for a while, though results can vary.
If all else fails and these tricks don’t revive your starter motor, it’s time to face the music and consider a replacement.
How to Tackle a Starter Motor Replacement?
Let’s make it a breeze with these straightforward steps:
- Start by disconnecting the battery's negative terminal—safety first!
- Lift your vehicle high enough to comfortably slide underneath. Use jack stands on solid concrete or support ramps if you're on softer ground.
- Find your starter motor, usually hiding on the passenger side where the engine meets the transmission. In some cases, you might spot it from under the hood.
- Disconnect the main battery power lead and the trigger lead. These are generally secured with nuts and lock washers, though some models might have plugs for the trigger wire.
- Unbolt the starter motor and gently slide it out from the transmission and away from the engine. Keep in mind, starter motors can be heavy, so be prepared for a bit of a lift!
- Install the new starter motor by reversing the removal steps. Some engines may need a little shimming to align perfectly, so check your specific make and model for guidance.
With these steps, you'll have your vehicle back up and running in no time!
Replacing a Starter Motor: What You Need to Know
When it comes to replacing a starter motor, you’re looking at an average cost of about $150, though prices can soar to $600 depending on the complexity. Most starter motors are conveniently located, which keeps labour costs down. However, for some compact cars, accessing the starter motor may require a bit of extra work, like removing part of the suspension.
Typically, a starter motor lasts between 100,000 to 150,000 miles, but high-horsepower engines can put extra strain on them. This is where gear-reduction starter motors really show their worth!
For most vehicles, the replacement process is a quick 30 minutes to an hour. The biggest challenge? Those tricky wires that can be tough to reach once the starter motor is in place.
Newly Arrived Starter Motors at FabHeavyParts.com
1.
24V Starter Motor 458002 458005 Fits for Warn Ramsey Winch Applications
Part Numbers:
Prestolite 46-2289 46-3523 MMD4001 MMD4401
MMD6102 MUX6302S MUX6302 46-4210
Ramsey 458002 458005
Warn 6364
Western Motor W-8956
Wilson 94-06-1821
Applications: Various
Condition: new, aftermarket
2.
12V 10T Starter Motor 21163-0749 Fits for Kawasaki Lawn Mower FS600V 18.5HP
Part Numbers:
Kawasaki 21163-0728 21163-0749 21163-7036 211630728 211630749 211637036
Stocker KE-114N KE114N
Stens 435-142 435142
Applications:
Kawasaki FR541V 15HP
Kawasaki FS600V 18.5HP
Condition: new, aftermarket
3.
12V 9T Starter Motor SM57046 585056 Fits for Johnson 50TEL 50TLE 50TSL 44CI
Part Numbers:
5059240 5059240-M030SM SM50592 583482 MOT2002L 5389 206-03122 MS-689 RS41025 18-5624 71-09-5713 91-09-1042 5704640 5704640-M030SM SM57046 585056 586279
Condition: new, aftermarket
Applications:
Evinrude E40E 44CI 1989 - 1998
Evinrude E40EL 44CI 1989 - 1998
Evinrude E40TE 44CI 1989 - 1998
...
Specifications:
Voltage: 12
Rotation: CCW Starter Type: PMDD Number of Teeth: 9 Gear
OD: 1.409in / 35.8mm
Weight: 5.91 lbs / 2.69 kg
4.
12V 10T Starter Motor 2132-8200571 8300064 Fits for Freightliner 114SD ISB 6.7 Cummins Diesel
Part Numbers:
Delco 8200196 8200571 8300064
Freightliner 2132-8200571 21328200571
Dixie TS-1836 TS1836
Wilson 91-01-4779 9101-4779 91-014779 91014779
YouTech 404426
Condition: new, aftermarket
Applications: Thomas Built & Blue Bird Buses with Cummins ISB 6.7L Engines
Specifications: New 12 Volt 10 Tooth CW Starter
5.
12V 11T Starter Motor M2T60271 M002T60271 M2T56471 M002T56471 Fits for Case DH4B Diesel 1988
Part Numbers:
Mitsubishi M2T60271 M002T60271 M2T56471 M002T56471 ...
Arrowhead SMT0101
Dixie 243-20104 24320104
Lucas LRS01544
RSM RS41171
Wilson 91-27-3092N 9127-3092N 91-273092N ...
Toro 51-7590 517590 70-5860 705860 112-7022
Condition: new, aftermarket
Applications:
Make Model Engine Years Notes Trans VIN
Case DH4B Diesel 1988
Case Maxi-Sneaker Diesel 1986 - 1993
...
6.
Starter Motor AT17514 TY1449 TY6692 Fits for John Deere Power Unit 115 145 4cyl Gas 1960-1966
Part Numbers:
JOHN DEERE AT17514
JOHN DEERE TY1449
JOHN DEERE TY6692
PRESTOLITE 46-392
PRESTOLITE MDY-8006A
PRESTOLITE MDY8006
WILSON 91-06-1861
Applications:
John Deere Baler 323
John Deere Combine 40 Self Propelled 115 Gas 1961-1966
John Deere Cotton Picker 299 217 Gas / Diesel 1967-1974
...
Condition: new, aftermarket
FAB Heavy Parts Can Help With Your Needs
Welcome to Fab Heavy Parts' online catalog, where you can explore a delightful array of Starter Motors. We have a diverse selection to cater to your needs. Our knowledgeable parts team is at your disposal, ready to assist you every step of the way.