This video explains the working of a starter motor with relevant animations. The starter motor model shown here is a pre-engaged type starter motor. In this type, the pinion engages with the flywheel before the motor starts to spin and hence the name.
source/image(PrtSc): TecknoMechanics
The starter motor is powered by the car’s main 12-volt battery. To turn over the engine, the starter motor requires a very high electric current, which means the battery has to have sufficient power. Watch the video from TecknoMechanics for more info:
When DC power from the starting battery is applied to the solenoid, usually through a key-operated switch the “ignition switch”, the solenoid engages a lever that pushes out the drive pinion on the starter driveshaft and meshes the pinion with the starter ring gear on the flywheel of the engine.
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The solenoid also closes high-current contacts for the starter motor, which begins to turn. Once the engine starts, the key-operated switch is opened, a spring in the solenoid assembly pulls the pinion gear away from the ring gear, and the starter motor stops.
