The starter plays an essential role in any vehicle’s starting system. Also known as a cranking motor, the auto part turns the flywheel that is bolted to the motor’s crankshaft. Flywheel activation and 12 volts of battery power turn the motor, which pushes the pistons up to keep it running. The injector sprays fuel in the combustion chamber, causing internal combustion that pushes the pistons back down because the motor no longer requires extra help. Here, learn about the starter’s major parts.

What Are the Important Parts of a Starter?

1. Solenoid

The solenoid causes the starter to turn the flywheel when you turn the key in your car’s ignition via electrical currents. After the motor has started and you let go of the key, the starter retracts into its housing, which also requires electrical currents. The starter must always retract when it completes its job because it would otherwise keep turning with the motor and burn up.

2. Drive Gear

Once the solenoid causes the starter to expand, the tiny drive gear located on the end of the part locks into the flywheel to start turning it. As the flywheel turns, so does the motor. Flywheel activation also moves the pistons up and down to start the engine.

3. Armature Coil

The armature coil consists of a soft, laminated iron core with conductor loops wound around it. It interacts with a fixed stator that generates an electromagnetic field. The armature turns when the “north pole” of the part magnetically attracts to the stator’s “south pole” to produce the engine torque.

4. Commutator

Without the commutator, the voltage produced by the armature coil would not continue in the same direction, and neither would the torque. The commutator transforms alternating armature voltage into a direct current that keeps the torque moving in the same direction while simultaneously accommodating the direction of the electromagnetic fields. The fields should always flow away on one side of the armature coil and toward the coil on the other side. 

Find quality starters at Eubanks Auto Electric in De Kalb, TX. Serving the Four State area since 1954, this repair and replacement center provides parts for forklifts, tractors, and ATVs in addition to cars and trucks. Call (903) 667-2081 today with questions or review a complete service list online. Get more tips and helpful info on Facebook.