Engaged Starter when Tractor was running.. Aghh!

[italyguy01]

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]

Don't do that too often.

 

[italyguy01]

Don't do that too often.

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

 

[DT86]

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

 

[italyguy01]

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]

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

Like DT86 said, don't worry about it.

 

[DT86]

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]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

 

[Bird]

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]

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