The Starter Motor

Have you ever wondered how is it possible that the engine can be started by simply turning the ignition key? Did you know that during the early development of the automobile, the engine had to be manually started using a crankshaft lever found at the front portion of the car. The driver or an assistant had to dismount the vehicle just to start or re-start the automobile engine. Just imagine the inconvenience if the automobile broke down in the middle of traffic or under heavy downpour. Thankfully, the starter motor was developed. The starter motor allows you to conveniently start or switch on the engine of your automobile by simply turning the ignition key.

The starter motor is part of the ignition system. It is an electric powered motor that is temporarily connected to the engine crankshaft through a special type of clutch. It simply gives the crankshaft the initial nudge it needs. When the power of combustion takes over, the starter motor automatically stops from rotating and is disengaged from the crankshaft. If the starter motor fails to be disengaged, it can lead to structural and mechanical damage. After disengaging the starter motor, the high voltage electrical current is then diverted to the spark plugs.

When you turn the ignition key of your automobile, you are actually switching on the starter motor. The crankshaft has to be initially turning to start fuel combustion. However, since the crankshaft cannot self-initiate its own rotation, it needs the starter motor to start the rotation.

The starter motor is a simple electrical motor that is comprised of a set of permanent magnets and an electromagnet rotor. The permanent magnet is placed on the interior wall of the housing. The rotor, on the other hand, is comprised of a magnetic wire coil that is wound around a multi-layered iron core. An electromagnetic field is induced when electricity flows into the wire coil. The field alternates its polarity while counteracting the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. In this manner, the rotation of the rotor is sustained.

Sealing the Cylinders

The head gasket of your automobile engine is the thin metal or composite seal that is found between the engine block and the cylinder head. Its main role is to prevent the premature escape of pressure. In this manner, the mechanical output can be optimized. If pressure is allowed to prematurely escape, energy will be wasted. This is because the power of the pistons is directly dependent on the explosive gaseous pressure of combustion. This pressure should be properly channeled to effectively drive the pistons to move. The premature escape of pressure means weaker power for the pistons. By preventing pressure leaks, the head gasket helps in maintaining the optimal engine output.

However, preventing the premature escape of combustion gases is not as simple as it may seem. Since the head gasket is subjected to both heat and pressure extremes, it is constructed from durable but elastic materials. In this manner, it is able to adapt to the expansion and contraction cycle of the engine block and the cylinder head. As the temperature and pressure fluctuate, the expansion and contraction rate of the head gasket also changes accordingly. In this manner, loose contact between the cylinder head and engine block is prevented.

Head gaskets are classified into three basic types, depending on the materials used. The most modern type of head gasket is the MLS, otherwise known as the multi layers steel head gasket. It is comprised of three layers of steel. For extra security, it is coated with rubber-like coating such as Viton. In terms of elasticity and durability, the MLS type of head gasket excels. The second type of head gasket is the solid copper. This type requires special machining known as “o-ringing.” A piece of wire is placed around the circumference of the cylinder to reinforce the copper. Finally, the third type of head gasket is the composite head gasket. This is actually the older type, which is now virtually obsolete. It is typically made from asbestos or graphite. Due to health reasons, the use of this type of gasket is now discontinued by most car manufacturers.