Damage starter motor possible?

[rhodyboater]

I just bought a twin screw 4.3 280da and can't always hear if the second engine has started. I know I can look at the tachometer to see if it's on but what would happen if I forgot and pushed the starter button a second time, while the engine was already running?
Is there a protection built in to prevent damage to the starter?
It seems the only way to find out is to actually try it...but not on mine!

 

[midway]

I do not think there is any thing to prevent the starter from trying to engage if you push the button, I do believe you will get that same grinding noise you here when someone tries to start their car when it is already running.

 

[boatmailster]

I just bought a twin screw 4.3 280da and can't always hear if the second engine has started. I know I can look at the tachometer to see if it's on but what would happen if I forgot and pushed the starter button a second time, while the engine was already running?
Is there a protection built in to prevent damage to the starter?
It seems the only way to find out is to actually try it...but not on mine!

you can damage starter which is easy to replace or break out one or more teeth on flywheel.

 

[flflatrate]

the only time the stater will not try to engage is if you are in gear. Ive had many customers grind the starter (try to start when motor is running already) and haven't damaged the starter so bad that they had to replace the starter or chipped flywheel teeth. But I guess there is always someone out there that it will happen to.

 

[rhodyboater]

Ok, thanks for the replies.
I just find it odd with all the technology out there, they haven't devised a fail safe switch that can't start "twice", given the dire consequences.
I will always check the tach!

 

[boatmailster]

Ok, thanks for the replies.
I just find it odd with all the technology out there, they haven't devised a fail safe switch that can't start "twice", given the dire consequences.
I will always check the tach!

latest and greatest ignitions preventing you from starting "twice"

 

[flflatrate]

he new Mercruiser DTS motors you cannot start it twice. They have a button tht you just press ones and the electronics take over and do the work of cranking, if you hit it again it will shut it off. ( DTS digital throttle and shift)