käivitusmasin

Käivitusmasin is an Estonian term that translates to "starter motor" in English. It refers to an electric motor used to crank an internal combustion engine, thereby initiating the engine's operation. Without a starter motor, most modern gasoline and diesel engines would require manual cranking, which is impractical and often impossible for larger engines.

The starter motor works by drawing a significant amount of electrical current from the vehicle's battery. This current powers a small, high-torque electric motor. When the ignition switch is turned, the starter motor engages with the engine's flywheel or flexplate. A pinion gear on the starter motor extends and meshes with the teeth on the flywheel, causing the engine to rotate. Once the engine starts running under its own power, the starter motor disengages, and the pinion gear retracts.

The design and operation of starter motors have evolved over time, with improvements in efficiency and reliability. Early starters were often robust but heavy, while modern starters are more compact and lighter due to advancements in materials and technology. Various types of starter motors exist, including direct-drive and gear-reduction starters, each offering different advantages in terms of torque and speed. The starter motor is a critical component for the functionality of any vehicle or piece of machinery powered by an internal combustion engine.