Turning the starter when engine is running

[Ken4]

My wife always has a tendency do that. She cant tell the engine is running & doesnt bother to look at the tach. GRIND!!! Is there any damage? My camry still seems to work fine.

[NonSense7]

If anything it can't be good for the starter. The starter comes out and starts the engine at a certain rpm, a pretty low rpm at that. The car idles (automatic) around 1000 to 2000 rpm, depending if the car is warm or cold. If the starter comes out while the car is idling at 1500 rpm, it will spinn too rapidly, possibly causing damage.

If you wife just happens to turn the key to far but then stops immediatly, it won't cause too much damage, i'm even guilty of that. She will hear a very high pitched grinding sound from the engine compartment, which will most likely stop her immediatly.

Just make sure she isn't turning the key and holding it there, thinking the car wont start. That will for sure hurt the starter!

[jdv]

no its not good and you can even damage/wipe the crankshafts teeth. just send your wife the bill when the time comes. then she will learn to actually look at the dash.

ps. i did the same with my gf. she never cranked it wrong again

[88 LE]

Tell your wife to stop doing that.

You can damage the starter and/or flywheel.

[REN69]

get her a talking signal that says.. ENGINE IS ALREADY ON! like those ones that tell you your door is ajar.