Engaged Starter when Tractor was running.. Aghh!

italyguy01 · Jul 27, 2013

Hello all! I have a John Deere X485. For the first time ever, I accidentally turned the key to engage the starter when the tractor was already running. Of course got the loud screech and instantly let go.

I am wondering if anyone else has done this, and how much damage was done to the flywheel and/or starter gear? Is the starter gear more likely to be damaged then the flywheel? I'd hate to have damaged the flywheel.

Darn....!!! I take awesome care of the tractor and this just eats me up!

Thanks!

murphy1244 · Jul 27, 2013

Don't do that too often.

italyguy01 · Jul 27, 2013

murphy1244 said:
Don't do that too often.

I realize that. Just wondering how much damage would of been caused.

DT86 · Jul 27, 2013

It happens, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

italyguy01 · Jul 27, 2013

DT86 said:
It happens, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Thanks DT86. IS the flywheel a harder metal then the starter gear? Just curious if the starter gear would chew up before damaging the flywheel? (Easier to replace starter then flywheel). Aghh Still can't believe I did it!

Bigfoot62 · Jul 27, 2013

Yes, typically the starter drive is made of softer metal than the flywheel.

Like DT86 said, don't worry about it.

DT86 · Jul 27, 2013

I couldn't tell you how many times I've done it, usually in my girl friends Civic. It's the only non diesel I ever drive, I'm used to being able to hear the rumble of the oil burner to tell if it running or not. I'll jump right in and hit the key since I don't hear it and she's already in and got the heat/AC going. Opps!

italyguy01 · Jul 27, 2013

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

Bird · Jul 28, 2013

Yep, I've never done that to a tractor, but I've certainly done it to cars, and as far as I know, never damaged them, but I sure don't like to do it.

jaotguy · Jul 28, 2013

the one way sprag clutch takes most of the abuse ... the starter teeth take a bit too. don't worry too much

kuboman · Jul 28, 2013

Wouldn't be concerned. Just if you do it again make sure you shut the engine off and then restart just to make sure the starter gear did not jam on the ring gear. Restarting just makes sure everything is free.

TripleR · Jul 28, 2013

If doing that was a big deal most of us including me would b walking.:laughing:

lilranch2001 · Jul 28, 2013

Yeah, I do not know how many times I have airheaded out and hit the switch with an engine running throughout my life, but I know it is more than 1 for each of the years of my life

Shawk · Jul 28, 2013

DT86 said:
It happens, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

+1
One time shouldn't be the end all...

k0ua · Jul 28, 2013

I have done that several times throughout life.. but I have noticed on many newer cars and trucks it is impossible to do. When you turn the key it sends a signal to the computer to start the engine, You are not actually engaging the bendix. You can just bump the key and it will cycle the starter for what is required to start the engine.. Also if you turn the key to start after the engine is running, nothing happens, as the computer is "smarter than the operator" and will not attempt to engage the bendix. Our old 2006 chevy impalla was like that as well as my 2010 Silverado and our 2013 Chrysler. Not more grinding!

James K0UA

dragoneggs · Jul 28, 2013

Hasn't everyone done this a few times? :confused2:

chopped · Jul 30, 2013

:thumbsup: I havent with the tractor or maybe I forgot if I had. Anyways I am going to go out and do it now.. :laughing::laughing::laughing:
I have a GMC truck that lost a tooth on the flywheel.. I planned to just rebuild the starter if it ever gave me a problem.(I have a bucket of spare used starters) But It held up for many years. Just sounds a bit odd as it spins over. A slight clicking sound.even then not worth the tear down for another flywheel.(which i have) Good point however about it possibly remaining engaged after the fact. But Im sure you would hear the difference if it did..