A modern engine can independently operate only at a certain engine speed. The internal combustion process cannot be started without external influence on the mechanism. Therefore, starters are used directly to start the engine.
Application history
Electric starters were not used immediately, although at the beginning of the 20th century there were even electric cars. At first, the engines were started simply by manually rotating the crankshaft. The first starters for the car were pneumatic and operated on compressed air. Such a device, for example, was equipped with a Rolls-Royce of the Russian Emperor Nicholas II. However, the pneumatic starter circuit was cumbersome and moody. And, as soon as electric motors began to be suitable for the automotive industry in their dimensions and power, the designers switched to the design of electric starters. They apply to this day.
What it is
An electric starter is an element of the engine starting system that spins the crankshaft to the rotational speed necessary for an independent chain reaction of combustion.
Structurally, the starter consists of an electric motor interlocked with a coupling and a movable fork, which ensures engagement of the engine gear (bendix) with the teeth on the engine flywheel. The starter circuit is as follows: an electric current is supplied to the
retractor relay , after which it pulls the plug and the shaft moves along the splines, engaging with the motor shaft. At the same time, voltage is applied to the
engine brushes and the starter rotates the bendix, and that rotates the engine flywheel. As soon as the motor starts to work itself, the retractor relay by means of a return spring moves the shaft along the splines to its original position. To crank the crankshaft through the flywheel requires quite a lot of effort. Therefore, starters have a power of about 3 kilowatts and above. To provide such power, not only a greater current is required, but also the large size of the motor itself. At the same time, the dimensions of the engine compartment become more compact. in smaller volume it is necessary to fit more and more units. And here the gear starter comes to the rescue. Reviews of motorists say that the device performs well in action.
Gear starter device
The design element is no different from ordinary, with the exception of one element - the gearbox. This is a special mechanism that allows you to convert torque and speed. The step-up gearbox increases the speed and lowers the torque, and the step-down gear , vice versa. In such a starter, this unit is located between the electric motor itself and the bendix.
Physically, they are connected only through the gearbox. Although in some designs they are located coaxially. Otherwise, such a gear starter is completely identical to the usual one.
Distinctive features
The gearbox in such a device is usually planetary, compact and reliable. It is a central gear on the motor shaft, satellite gears that roll freely around it, and a gear ring that is driven by these satellites. Thus, the ring rotates much slower, but with more torque. In addition to having a gearbox, such a starter is distinguished by significantly smaller dimensions, as well as lower power. Also some plastic parts. This significantly reduces the cost of production and reduces the weight of the device.
Advantages of gear starters
The main advantage of such a starter is the ability to get equal returns with significantly lower electric motor power. The second advantage is the high speed of the bendix during its operation, which means that there are great chances to start the engine. In addition, the gear starter, due to its lower power, consumes little current during operation. The device works reliably with a discharged battery. And finally, the compact size allows you to re-plan the engine compartment.
disadvantages
Gear starter has one drawback. This is the complexity of the design of the gearbox itself. Such elements usually use compact planetary gears, which are practically not repaired, but must be replaced entirely.
However, this disadvantage is more than compensated by positive aspects. Therefore, it can be argued that the future for gear starters. Their development is limited only by the quality of components.
Where is the gear starter used
Such devices are used almost everywhere, in any cars, trucks and even tractors. Small size and weight, high efficiency with reasonable energy consumption makes these mechanisms almost universal. Another advantage of this design is that these starters can be installed on older models of engines such as the VAZ “classic”. So, very often motorists install a gear starter on a VAZ 2106.
It is in this engine that it is most in demand. New gearboxes are available for many engines and are completely interchangeable with old, classic mechanisms for mounting and switching.
Gear mechanisms on various cars
In addition to the fact that you can install a gear starter on the VAZ-2106 and other VAZ models, this element is also available for other types of equipment. You can buy it at any car market. So, for example, a gear starter for GAZ-53 is produced and in steady demand.
This name, of course, is obsolete, but is still in use. Such a starter stands on the legendary ZMZ-402 engines, which were installed on the Volga and then on the Gazelle. Naturally, their owners have a desire to replace their starter with a more advanced one, with which
starting the engine in cold weather becomes as simple as in the summer.
Tractor
It is also worth mentioning the installation of gear starters on agricultural machinery. To start the diesel engine, special starting engines were installed on the tractors . For example, on the popular MTZ-80 tractor, a PD-10 starting engine (“launcher”) was installed. He refueled with gasoline mixed with oil and worked until the main engine started.
Its main drawback was that it required the same maintenance as the diesel itself - repair, adjustment, refueling. Therefore, it makes sense to install a more technically advanced starter (gear) on the MTZ-80. Its characteristics suggest that it is a worthy replacement for the “launcher”: power from 3.5 to 9 kW and the required battery capacity of 190 Ah fully corresponds to the MTZ-80 engine. Depending on the modification of the tractor, the starters are adapted for a 12 or 24-volt electrical system. But in general, such a solution is very profitable and as easily feasible as for cars, since there are adapter plates for installing a mechanism instead of a starting engine and all the necessary switching.
Gear starter: reviews
Why are they so popular? Car owners who installed a starter on a VAZ gearbox unanimously argue that such a refinement does not bring anything but advantages - a sure start in cold weather, an easy start even with a dead battery, small dimensions and weight.
The resource of these starters is quite large. They do not require maintenance and work flawlessly in any frost. The price, of course, is slightly higher than on conventional gearless models. But this difference pays off completely. And choosing such a starter, you should focus on an acceptable and optimal power comparable to the power of a regular, old model.
Conclusion
Thus, the gear starter is a modern stage in the evolution of starting devices, for which a reputation has been firmly established for reliable, convenient and efficient devices designed to make life easier for the car driver. Installing a starter on a VAZ gearbox is a very useful revision.