Where is the starter gear located?
The starter gear is located on the starter itself, which is mounted to the engine block near the transmission bell housing and engages the engine’s flywheel or flexplate.
However, the exact spot varies by equipment. In cars, the starter sits on the side of the engine block by the bell housing; in motorcycles the starter is mounted to the engine case; in lawn and small engines, the starter gear may be inside a recoil mechanism. This article explains where to look for the starter gear on common machines and how to identify it.
How the starter gear works
The starter gear, often called a Bendix gear, is a small pinion that engages the teeth on the flywheel or flexplate to spin the engine when the starter is energized. Once the engine turns over and starts, the gear retracts to disengage. Some systems use a reduction gear between the motor and flywheel to increase torque.
Locations by vehicle type
Below are the typical locations you’ll find the starter gear on different kinds of engines. This helps you know where to look when diagnosing a no-start condition.
- Automobiles (gasoline cars and light trucks): The starter motor is bolted to the engine block, usually on the side near the transmission bell housing. The starter gear extends to mesh with the flywheel or flexplate on the crankshaft inside the bell housing.
- Motorcycles and larger motorcycles: The starter is mounted to the engine case, commonly on the right side of the bike, and its pinion gear engages the primary drive gear connected to the crankshaft or clutch hub.
- Small engines and lawn equipment: Many use a recoil starter; the “starter gear” is inside the recoil housing and engages the crankshaft when you pull the cord.
In practice, the exact mounting points can vary by model and year, so consult your owner's manual or a service manual for precise locations and the correct procedure to access the starter gear.
How to locate the starter gear on your vehicle
Use these steps to locate and inspect the starter gear in your specific machine:
- Park safely, set the parking brake, and disconnect the battery to prevent accidental contact with live circuits.
- Locate the starter motor — a cylindrical unit bolted to the engine block near the bell housing. It is typically toward the lower front of the engine and may be accessible from beneath or from the wheel well on some vehicles.
- Identify the solenoid on or near the starter and follow the thick battery cable to it; you should also see a smaller signal wire.
- Inspect the protruding pinion gear on the starter and verify that it engages the flywheel (inside the bell housing) when the starter is actuated.
If you cannot access the starter due to obstructions or model-specific design, consult the service manual for your exact make/model or consider professional assistance to avoid damage or injury.
Summary
The starter gear is part of the starter assembly and is typically located on the engine block near the bell housing, with variations by vehicle type. In cars, expect it on the side near the transmission; in motorcycles, inside the engine case; in lawn equipment, inside the recoil mechanism. Always refer to the owner's manual or service manual for precise location and safety guidance.
