Can this damage the starter motor?

[apm285]

Hi guys,

I did something stupid today, the engine was running and i was in the car, didn't realise it was on because it is so quiet. Basically i turned the key on the ignition while the engine was running and it made this crunch noise. Would this have done damage to the starter motor, how would i know if it did?

Cheers

[champagneG35]

A simple answer would be "yes" but not enough to worry about. I wouldn't make a habit of it but I'm sure you and I are not the only ones to have spaced out and tried to restart an already running car . The "crunching" you heard is the starter gear springing out to engage with the flywheel but the flywheel is already spinning really fast so it grinds a bit. As long as you did it for a split second and don't repeat it everyday you'll be fine. I've done it to my G once & to other cars I've owned as well. I've never had one fail because of this, they always failed due to an unrelated starter relay issue or they would free spin without actualy turning the gears.

Basically you're fine don't worry about it.

The same thing happens on manual transmission's when you miss shift and let the clutch out too soon it grinds and sounds horrible and leaves you apologizing to your baby but that's all that really happens, it's not often enough to worry about.

The components interacting very tough and hard to break

Just for fun...Here's a comparison completely different but the same principle. I'm sure you or someone you know has accidentaly had silver ware fall into the sink disposal while it was on at some point in your life right ? Well as long as it's quality silverware (and for comparison lets call your starter 5 notches up in quality from the best silverware) they get a little nicked up but still very useable. Well being your starter is alot tougher than a spoon your starter is still fine to use.

Hope that explains things a bit for ya
Modified by champagneG35 at 12:18 AM 1/1/2008

[telcoman]

Hi guys,

I did something stupid today, the engine was running and i was in the car, didn't realise it was on because it is so quiet. Basically i turned the key on the ignition while the engine was running and it made this crunch noise. Would this have done damage to the starter motor, how would i know if it did?

Cheers

It is unlikely that you knocked off a tooth on either the flywheel or the starter pinion gear.Always look at your tachometer prior to activating the starter & it will never happen again.

Telcoman

[zozoka1212]

+1^^^^^^^

zozo

[apm285]

Thanks for your help guys.