One of the Reasons for Starter Freewheeling
2 Answers
One of the reasons for starter freewheeling is the disconnection between the armature shaft and the armature core. Under the influence of the magnetic field force, the armature core and the rotating shaft do not turn, resulting in no torque being transmitted to the engine, which causes the starter to freewheel. The starter can convert the electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy, driving the engine flywheel to rotate and enabling the engine to start. Before the engine can operate under its own power, it must rely on external force to rotate. The process by which the engine transitions from a stationary state to being able to operate on its own with the help of external force is called engine starting. The components of the starting system include: the battery, ignition switch, starter assembly, and starting relay.
I often encounter the issue of the starter motor spinning freely, which is usually caused by a slipping one-way clutch. Inside the starter, there's a ratchet-like mechanism that transfers power to the engine's flywheel. If this mechanism is worn out or too dirty to engage properly, you'll hear the engine roar without turning over. That's exactly what happened to my car last time—turning the key made the starter motor whir loudly, but the car wouldn't start. When I took it apart for repairs, sure enough, the clutch plates were worn smooth. Additionally, insufficient battery power can also cause the starter to lack the necessary force, but in such cases, the starter usually doesn't respond at all, unlike the free-spinning scenario where it turns but doesn't engage. If you encounter this situation, avoid forcing the start, as it can easily burn out the coil.
