
RENR9968-02 25
Systems Operation Section
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Illustration 18
Typical cross section of an alternator
(1) Regulator
(2) Roller bearing
(3) Stator winding
(4) Ball bearing
(5) Rectifier bridge
(6) Field winding
(7) Rotor assembly
(8) Fan
Starting System Components
Solenoid
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Illustration 19
Typical cross section of a solenoid
A s olenoid is an electromagnetic switch that performs
two basic functions:
•
The solenoid closes the high current circuit for the
starting motor with a low current start switc h circuit.
•
The solenoid engages the pinion for the starting
motor with the ring gear.
The solenoid has windings (one set or two sets)
around a hollow cylinder or a hollow h ousing. A
plunger that is spring loaded is located within the
solenoid housing. The plunger can move forward
and backward. When the start switch is closed and
electricity is sent through the windings, a magnetic
field is created. The magnetic field pulls the plu nger
forward in the solenoid housing. This moves the shift
lever in order for the pinion drive gear to engage
with the ring gear. The front end of the plunger then
makes contact across the battery and across the
motor terminals of the solenoid. The starting motor
then begins to turn the flywheel of the engine.
When the start switch is opened, current no longer
flows through the windings. The spring now returns
the plunger to the original position. At the same time,
thespringmovesthepiniongearawayfromthe
flywheel.
When two sets of windings in the solenoid are used,
the windings are called the hold-in winding and the
pull-in winding. B oth of t he windings wind around the
cylinder for an equal amount of times. The pull-in
winding uses a wire with a larger diameter in order
to produce a stronger magnetic field. When the start
switch is closed, part of the current flows from the
battery through the hold-in winding. The remainder of
the current flows through the pull-in windings, to the
motor terminal, and then to the ground. W hen the
solenoid is activated, the current is shut off through
the pull-in windings. Only the smaller hold-in windings
areinoperationfortheextendedperiodoftimethatis
necessary for the engine to be started. The solenoid
will now take a smaller amount of current from the
battery. Heat that is created b y the solenoid will be
kept a t an acceptable level.
Starting Motor
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Illustration 20
Typical cross section of a starting motor
(9) Field
(10) Solenoid
(11 ) C lutch
(12) Pinion
(13) Commutator
(14) Brush assem bly
(15) Armature