Description & Operation

The permanent magnet, gear reduction type starter used on 2.3L, 3.0L and 4.0L engines has an externally mounted, solenoid actuated drive. The starting system consists of a starter, (ignition) switch, relay, neutral start switch (A/T) or clutch switch (M/T), battery and circuit wiring.

When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the starter relay is actuated through the starter control circuit. This energizes the starter solenoid, creating a magnetic field around the solenoid windings.

As the magnetic field draws the iron plunger core into the solenoid coil, the plunger's contact disc closes the circuit between the battery and the motor feed terminals. Current can then flow to the starter motor, as the solenoid pull-in coil is by-passed.

The hold-in coil keeps the drive pinion gear engaged with the flywheel, until the ignition switch is released from the START position. An overrunning clutch in the drive assembly protects the starter from excessive speeds (engine RPM), during the period after the engine starts and before the operator releases the ignition switch from the START position.