shaft should only spin one-way
No, it connects to the flywheel.
on starters that have the solenoid mounted on them, the link is a fork like piece between the solonoid and the starter clutch, which is on the motor shaft. on starters that dont have the solenoid on the starter, it just has a overrunning clutch on the motor shaft
How do you figure the starter is okay just by popping the clutch? Popping the clutch uses the driveline to turn the motor over. The starter is not involved at all.
The starter would self destruct from over revving once the engine started.
Yes. Its actually quite good for the starter motor.
I normally turn the key and the starter turns the motor... check complete.
Clutch interlock should only prevent you from cranking the starter without the clutch depressed. You should be able to push start with this malfunctioning since the rotating motor is doing just what it would be if the starter worked.
check starter motor
With the flywheel spinning at about 1,000 RPM at idle, the starter, if engaged with the flywheel, would be forced to spin between 15,000 and 20,000 RPM. Once the engine has turned over and is running, the overrun clutch will release the starter from the flywheel and prevent the gears from re-meshing (as in an accidental turning of the ignition key) while the engine is running
You can buy a the insides of the starter motor off the web for about £20GBP - with full instructions. I did it, but you have to take of the passenger front wheel and decouple the driving mechanism as well as the clutch to get to the starter motor - it's quite interesting!!!
The starter motor is located between the transmission and the engine which engages the starter clutch with the flywheel, which rotates and starts the engine.
This switch is designed to be sure that the car won't be moved by the starter motor. It requires that the car be in neutral, park, or have the clutch depressed before the starter motor will engage.