Starter broke off the engine
 

I have a 98 Discovery. Was driving 70 mph when I heard, and felt, a thunk immediately followed by black smoke. Pulled over to see a puddle of what I thought was oil. After tow home I saw the starter completely off the engine block caught up in the suspension.

Both flanges completely snapped. Anyone know what could cause such a thing to happen? Thanks.

Loose bolts, most likely, so now what are you going to do?

what remains of the flanges are still bolted to the block. They look secure but I'll double check. Is it possible the starter engaged while driving and once the gear hit the flywheel it pushed it out?

I dont want to simply replace the starter before finding out what caused it to happen.

How do the teeth on the starter look?

The teeth look fine.

Attachment 3365

I think the teeth would be ground to hell if the starter engaged while you were on the freeway. Check the teeth on the flywheel too.

I'm sort of at a loss as to what could have happened. Mike could be right about the loose bolts ; every time you started it, the starter was jerking against the flanges until they just got weak and broke.

Freak occurrence.

Did the bolts themselves break or are they still intact? I have seen bolts that were partially backed out wear in half at the exposed threads.

Wow. That's a first. I wish I had an explanation.

No both bolts are still intact. Looked inside today and the flywheel looks fine too. Guess I'll just replace the starter and hope for the best.