Why does tapping the starter motor with a heavy tool help when I can`t start my car sometimes?

Answer 1

I have no idea. In this big burly world of engines and machines... I just call up the mechanik.

Answer 2

This is called a "dead spot"....the electrical motor that makes up a starter is no different than any other electrical motor. There's a shaft with large copper spools on it surrounded by magnets. The copper spools "chase" the energized magnets causing the motor to turn. A dead spot is usually on the magnetized portion of the motor....it's charred most likely, it happens over time as little bits of debris, oil, etc get inside.

When you tap it with a hammer you're simply causing it to move slighltly, enough so that when you turn the key the "chasing" game can begin again. I've seen this problem for 20 years now, and have tapped more than a few starters myself.

You're not causing any harm by doing this but it's a crap shoot...it may start with a hammer tap for another year or it may stop tomorrow. That "dead spot" is most likely getting bigger and a bit more scorched every time you start the car.

It is possible for the starter to "catch" at just the right point and kick off a short in the system. It's fairly unlikely but can happen...I've seen it mostly on Ford and Toyota based vehicles with little to no ignition protection circuit.

Best option for you? Replace the starter as soon as you can, it's an inexpensive part ($70 - $150 depending) and is usually simple to replace at home.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Here is the answer:

Part of the starter engaing there is something call a Bendex inside the starter. Rust can form on piece easliy. When its rusted it will not engage when electric is applied.

The Bendex is what forces the starter motor to engage the fly wheel. Just replace the starter when you get a chance. You can do it yourself should only be 3 or 4 main bolts.

Mostly see this problem on older cars or trucks. No worries nothing is going to burn up on you.

Answer 4

When you turn the key, can you hear the starter turn, but it's not engaging the engine? If so, the solenoid is going bad and not kicking out the pinion gear to engage the flywheel. Hitting the outside with a hammer frees it momentarily.

If you hear nothing but a click, then the starter motor is going bad. Hitting it with a hammer unsticks the failing bearings.

How to fix it depends on what car you have: some have integrated solenoid starter - if either goes bad the whole assembly is replaced. On others the two are separate units and can be replaced singly.

Answer 5

Because your starter is going bad and seizing up on the inside. When you tap it you free it up temporarily. Eventually tapping it will no longer work. So you'll want to replace it before you have to change the starter in a parking lot somewhere.

Answer 6

99.9% of the time it is the starter brushes they get worn down and dont make good contact tapping the starter causes them to make contact therefore completeing the circuit and allowing the starter to engage...a fairly simple fix a set of brushes will cost you around 5-6 bucks and easy to install if your even just a little mechanically inclined

Answer 7

Because the starter mechanism requires the solenoid to push the little gear on the end into mesh with the flywheel to turn the motor so it starts your starter needs to be removed and cleaned up and re lubricated the bang frees it up so it will mesh but only temporally~~

Answer 8

possiable causes...starter bolts that mount starter to the bell housing of the tranny could be loose making the starter bind starter seloind may be loose. the starter seloind is mounted on the feder well in side the engine compartment if its a ford...most other models mount the selonid on top of the starter.

Answer 9

The reason is that something in the strater is shorted or a loose wire connectin. Also its not a good idea to keep doing that and get a new starter.

Answer 10

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