Abstract: A starter/alternator system 40 for an automotive vehicle 10 with an internal combustion engine 12 has a crankshaft 50 coupled to pistons 16 and a flywheel 90 coupled to the crankshaft 50. The vehicle 10 also has a transmission 20 having an input shaft 22. A starter/alternator 42 has a rotor 48 and a stator 46. The rotor 42 is fixedly coupled to the input shaft 22. A clutch 52 selectively couples the input shaft 22 and the crankshaft 50. The rotor 48 has a rotor carrier 70 and a rotor coil 71. The rotor carrier 70 has a radially extending portion 72 and an annular portion 74 spaced from the input shaft 22. The annular portion 74 has an inner surface 80 and outer surface 82 wherein the rotor coil 71 is fixedly coupled to the outer surface 82.

Abstract: An installation and support apparatus or assembly 18 is provided for use in combination with an electric machine 10, such as a starter-alternator, which is adapted to be operatively installed between the engine block 12 and the transmission assembly 16 of a vehicle. The apparatus 18 includes a stationary support member 20, an generally circular seal member 22, and an outer or rotor engaging bearing 24. Member 20 cooperates with bearing assembly 24 to automatically create or form a relatively precise and uniform gap 54 between the stator assembly 26 and the rotor assembly 30 of electric machine 10.