Starter Motor: Description and Operation

NOTE: Never operate the starter motor more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow it to cool at least 2 minutes before cranking again. Excessive cranking can cause over-heating, which will cause serious damage to the starter motor.

When the ignition switch is turned to "START" voltage is applied to the starter solenoid "S" terminal and the solenoid windings are energized. This causes the plunger to move the shift lever, which engages the pinion with the engine flywheel ring gear. The plunger also closes the solenoid switch contacts, applying battery voltage to the starter motor which cranks the engine.

When the engine starts, the pinion will over-run and spin at engine speed (rather than starter motor speed) to help prevent flywheel and starter motor damage. When the ignition switch is released (removing voltage from the solenoid) the plunger return spring disengages the pinion. To prevent excessive over-run, the ignition switch should be released as soon as the engine starts.