Starter Motor — General Description (Opel Ascona C)

The starter motor is mounted on the back of the top of the engine and can be either a Bosch or DeLco-Remy type. Both are pre-engaged, meaning the drive pinion is engaged with the starter ring on the flywheel before the main current is applied.

When the ignition is turned on, current flows from the battery to the solenoid, which is located on the starter housing. The solenoid plunger moves inward, thus causing the center support arm to move, which engages the drive pinion with the starter transfer ring. When the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its stroke, it closes an internal contact and all current is supplied to the starter field coils. Now the anchor is able to turn the shaft, which starts the engine.

The starter drive pinion is equipped with a special one-way clutch so that once the engine starts and runs on its own, it does not cause the starter motor to run.

When the ignition is turned off, the solenoid is de-energized and the spring pushes the plunger back to its original position. This causes the support arm to pull the drive pinion out of engagement with the starter ring.

Both types of starters have similar construction, so the removal, installation, disassembly, inspection and assembly processes described below can be applied to both types of starter motors. Significant differences will be specifically noted.

[Original source is on the website: www.OpelBook.ru]