A system for monitoring a synchronous machine including a plurality of winding inter-turn portions, the synchronous machine operatively coupled to a power conversion assembly, said system comprising: a memory device configured to store a plurality of operational measurements of at least one of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine, wherein each operational measurement is associated with a time; and a processor operatively coupled in communication with said memory device, said memory device comprising programmed computer instructions that instruct said processor to: calculate a plurality of impedances downstream of the power conversion assembly, wherein each calculated impedance is associated with a time; and estimate at least one short circuit associated with adjacent winding inter-turn portions based on the calculated impedances, wherein the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine are operatively coupled such that the power conversion assembly drives the synchronous machine as a synchronous motor to start a combustion engine, wherein said memory device further comprises programmed computer instructions that instruct said processor to: record at least one first operational measurement of at least one of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine; and record at least one second operational measurement of at least one of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine, wherein each operational measurement takes place after a respective acceleration of the synchronous machine. a memory device configured to store a plurality of operational measurements of at least one of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine, wherein each operational measurement is associated with a time; and a processor operatively coupled in communication with said memory device, said memory device comprising programmed computer instructions that instruct said processor to: calculate a plurality of impedances downstream of the power conversion assembly, wherein each calculated impedance is associated with a time; and estimate at least one short circuit associated with adjacent winding inter-turn portions based on the calculated impedances, wherein the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine are operatively coupled such that the power conversion assembly drives the synchronous machine as a synchronous motor to start a combustion engine, wherein said memory device further comprises programmed computer instructions that instruct said processor to: calculate a plurality of impedances downstream of the power conversion assembly, wherein each calculated impedance is associated with a time; and estimate at least one short circuit associated with adjacent winding inter-turn portions based on the calculated impedances, wherein the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine are operatively coupled such that the power conversion assembly drives the synchronous machine as a synchronous motor to start a combustion engine, wherein said memory device further comprises programmed computer instructions that instruct said processor to: record at least one first operational measurement of at least one of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine; and record at least one second operational measurement of at least one of the power conversion assembly and the synchronous machine, wherein each operational measurement takes place after a respective acceleration of the synchronous machine.