Starter Motor: Description and Operation

The starter motor is a 12-volt unit that has the solenoid mounted on the drive end housing.
- The motor solenoid is energized when the starter solenoid contacts are closed.
- This action engages the starter drive with the flywheel ring gear starting the engine.
- An overrunning clutch in the drive protects the starter from excessive speed when the engine starts.
- The current flows through the solenoid energizing coil until the solenoid plunger is at end of its travel.
- The plunger then closes a set of contacts that bypass the energizing coil.
- The holding coil keeps the starter drive engaged and passes starting current to the starter.