eelkäivitusmootorisse

Eelkäivitusmootorisse, or starter motor in English, is an electric motor used to turn over an internal combustion engine and start it. It is a critical component in most vehicles, enabling the engine to begin its operation without manual intervention. The starter motor receives power from the vehicle's battery and uses this energy to engage with the engine's flywheel or flexplate.

The process begins when the ignition key is turned to the start position. This sends a low-current signal to a solenoid, which in turn connects the battery to the starter motor. Simultaneously, the solenoid pushes a pinion gear on the starter motor shaft outwards, causing it to mesh with the teeth of the engine's flywheel. Once the starter motor receives full battery power, it spins rapidly, rotating the flywheel and thus turning the engine's crankshaft. This initial rotation draws fuel and air into the cylinders, compresses the mixture, and ignites it, causing the engine to run on its own power.

Once the engine starts and the ignition key is released from the start position, the solenoid retracts the pinion gear, disengaging it from the flywheel. This prevents damage to the starter motor, as it is not designed to operate at engine speeds. The starter motor is typically located at the rear of the engine, often attached to the transmission bell housing. Its design and power output vary depending on the size and type of the engine it is intended to start.