What will happen if the engine is running and the ignition key is turned? Sometimes the engine is so quiet I don't know it's on. I'm afraid that one day I'll turn the ignition while the engine is running, only to damage the starter.

:shock: Ed

It will probably make that terrible, embarrasing noise. Sounds like metal rubbing together at a high speed.

Is that terrible sound an indication that something is being damaged?

:?: Ed

I'm sure if you did it often enough, you'd get some starter damage.

But you won't do it that much. I'm sure. I have confidence in ya! :wink:

That's what you look at the tachometer for. :D

I just thought that vehicles would be robust enough to handle this scenario.

:roll: Ed

[quote:3df82b4cd6="mr_ed"]I just thought that vehicles would be robust enough to handle this scenario.

:roll: Ed[/quote:3df82b4cd6]

What do you mean? I have done this numerous times in my life but have never damaged a vehicle. I suppose if you tried to start it while it is running and you ignore the REALLY REALLY loud and embarrasing noise you could damage the starter.

in most cases cars use a toothed flywheel connected to the crankshaft on the back of the engine. the starter has a toothed gear ( the bendix? ) that is pushed out by a solenoid when the car is started.

if the car is already running then there is a gnashing of the gears as the starter gears try to engage in the flywheel. if you were to remove the starter and look at these gears you will find them to be damaged. usually not so bad as to not work. if the gears on the starter go then you can replace them....

but they will hold up to the occassional misuse....