RAM 3500 Truck 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (1999)
Starter Motor: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
The starter motors used are available in this model are interchangeable.
The starter motors are mounted with one screw, a stud and a nut to the manual transmission clutch housing or automatic transmission torque
converter housing and are located on the left side of the engine.
Each of these starter motors incorporates several of the same features to create a reliable, efficient, compact, lightweight and powerful unit. The
electric motors of all of these starters have four brushes contacting the motor commutator, and feature four electromagnetic field coils wound
around four pole shoes. The starter motors are rated at 1.4 kilowatts (about 1.9 horsepower) output at 12 volts.
All of these starter motors are serviced only as a unit with their starter solenoids, and cannot be repaired. If either component is faulty or damaged,
the entire starter motor and starter solenoid unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
These starter motors are equipped with a gear reduction (intermediate transmission) system. The gear reduction system consists of a gear that is
integral to the output end of the electric motor armature shaft that is in continual engagement with a larger gear that is splined to the input end of
the starter pinion gear shaft. This feature makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the starter. At the same time, it allows higher armature
rotational speed and delivers increased torque through the starter pinion gear to the starter ring gear.
The starter motors for all engines are activated by an integral heavy duty starter solenoid switch mounted to the overrunning clutch housing. This
electromechanical switch connects and disconnects the feed of battery voltage to the starter motor, also engaging and disengaging the starter pinion
gear with the starter ring gear.
All starter motors use an overrunning clutch and starter pinion gear unit to engage and drive a starter ring gear that is integral to the flywheel
(manual transmission) torque converter or torque converter drive plate (automatic transmission) mounted on the rear crankshaft flange.