The Starter System Part I Editor’s Note: The following information is an excerpt from the ARCO Electrical Technical Manual. Many thanks to this Pensacola, FL- based marine specialist for sharing this valuable resource. The starter system is made up of the following components: 1. The starter—The device that turns the flywheel at sufficient speed so that, along with the ignition system, the engine will start. 2. The battery—The source of energy that supplies the starter with its electrical requirements. 3. The wires and cables—The path by which the electrical energy reaches the starter. 4. The solenoid—-The mechanical, magnetic switch that turns the starter on and off, and engages the pinion drive with the flywheel. 5. The ignition switch—Properly energizes the solenoid. Note: Each of the starting system’s individual components plays a big part in starting the engine, but their com- bined function is essential. If any one of these components is not performing satisfactorily, you’ve got a problem that will always give you aggravation and frustration until the necessary cor- rections have been made. Remember: Each component is only one part of a total system. Positive Engagement Drive Starters In positive engagement drive starters SOLENOID CONTACTS, OPENED IGNITION SWITCH OFF STARTER MOTOR STARTER DRIVE DISENGAGED SOLENOID CONTACTS CLOSED IGNITION SWITCH ON 7 STARTER DRIVE ENGAGED (upper right), an engagement solenoid engages the starter drive with the ring gear. The engagement solenoid acti- vates contacts for the motor current. When the starting switch is closed, the hold-in winding is energized and current flows through the series circuit comprising pull-in winding and electric motor. The engagement solenoid picks up and moves the drive forward by the shift lever. The armature begins to rotate slowly. As soon as the solenoid movement (drive travel) meshes the drive with the ring gear, the drive stops rotating and is pushed forward by the helical spline on the armature shaft as the armature rotates, until contact is made with the stop ring. The main contact of the sole- noid switch short-circuits the pull-in winding and applies full battery voltage to the electric motor. The main contact normally closes after the drive has engaged the ring gear. Inertia Starter Drives The Folo-Thru type drive currently « he POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT INERTIA DRIVE STARTER DRIVE STARTER PRESTOLITE STYLE DELCO 10MT STYLE MARINE IGNITION SWITCH TYPICAL MARINE STARTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS — fe PERMANENT MAGNET MOTORCRAFT GEAR REDUCTION FORD STYLE (PMGR) STARTER STARTER STARTER RELAY/SOLENOID SWITCH used on many starting motors has brought about difficulty due to a misun- derstanding of operating and lack of information on proper servicing. This fact has been reflected by the number of drives returned for warranty which are fully operative. The Folo-Thru drive is designed to lock and remain in the extended or engaged position until the engine starts and reaches approximately 400 to 500 rpm. The drive to flywheel ratio is 15 to one. When the engine is turning 400 rpm the starter drive gear is turing 6,000 rpm. If the drive is locked in the extended position, it has to be rein- stalled on the engine and the engine started or the drive must be turned in excess of 6,000 rpm by a wire wheel installed on an electric bench grinder to make it disengage. The reason for the pinion locking in the engaged position is to assure that the Spinning the drive with a wire wheel in the direction it clicks will disengage the locks. G8 Es ENGAGED POSITION