'95 D1 manual transmission, clutch is inoperable and was using the starter with the transmission in reverse to back out of a parking space so I could get it on a trailer. I was in a tight space and I didn't want to run the engine in gear so I shut it off before it got going all the way. It had been running for a couple of minutes prior to all this. Went to restart and no joy. Sounds like it wants to, almost kicking over but not. Even after a half hour or so of waiting. I smell a little fuel and the pump is running. I pressed the interti switch and felt a click just one time. I'm about to put it on the tow dolly but I wonder what could have happened to make it not start now. Any ideas????

 

I had to leave and go do something, but I think maybe it was dumping too much fuel by using the starter to back it up. when I get back, I think I will pull the fuel pump fuse and see if I can clear that fuel out of there hopefully it will start then. Thoughts?

 

I've used the starter on mine to move it off the road a couple of times when I've run out of fuel. Never had any trouble restarting once I put fuel in the tank.

 

It's what I thought; got back to the disco and he started right up. So, if you're going to motor the engine with the starter, just pull fuse #6 under the hood to kill the fuel pump. I suppose if you're out of gas then no need for that😀

 

I remove the fuse when I am changing the oil. I park it, remove the fuse, let it run till it dies, change the oil, crank it until the oil light goes out, then replace the fuse and start it and do the test drive.

 

What's the reasoning behind doing that?

 

The starter cranking the engine isn't as heavy a load on the moving parts before there's oil pressure than starting and running the engine.
I fill the filter as much as I can before fitting it, but because of the angle there's a limit. And also if there's any prime lost, the starter cranking pressurizes everything.

I'm probably being OCD, but...

 

I see your point, except I usually will just pull the coil wire to prevent it from firing. Personally I don't see much of a as compare to a cold start in the morning; or worse. A very cold morning.

 

That would work too, but I just leave the fuse out from running it out of fuel.