Flickr image: Doug McCaughan
Green Car Reports has an interesting article today about engine stop/start systems. It addresses one of the most common objections many gearheads have against the fuel saving technology: that it must wear out the starter motor.
The piece is an interview with an engineer at an OEM parts supplier, who explains how the starters in stop/start cars are designed differently than conventional starters.
Major differences:
- Lower gear ratio/higher torque starter motor reduces brush wear
- Stouter brush material composition
- Bearings instead of bushings
- Solenoid separates pinion engagement from starter motor contactor functions for greater control
- Communication with ECM to control fuel/spark in the individual cylinder which is closest to being able to fire up the engine
Deeper explanation & discussion in GCR's story:
Don't start-stop systems wear out your car's starter?
Now if only they would interview an engineer to explain why stop/start systems don't cause additional engine wear from oil drain-down.