GTSilver944

So I just replaced my head gasket, but I forgot to remove the starter to turn over the engine while setting TDC and doing the belts. What harm could I have done? The car still starts and it didn't feel like much resistance to turn it over (with the starter still in).

MPD47

No damage.

Van

You only need to remove the starter to use a flywheel lock. Unless you have the key turned to the "start" location (and the starter's spinning) the starter's gear is retracted and not engaged to the flywheel.

mark_uss

no sweat man ...chill..drink a beer ..)

Darwantae951

Like previously stated, the starter gear only engages the flywheel while starting, during normal operation or while parked the starter gear is retracted. You did nothing to the starter