Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/31/2007

Question
it is an 88, its at a auto shop, they called and said that the starter was engaged and loose, they said that they got it running and the guy is trying to say that it is knocking yet i never heard it before. He also stated that it could be the pistonhitting the head. I dont know if this guy is trying to just get me to spend money or what the deal is he dont even know what could be wrong with it.

Answer
The piston cannot "hit the head".it may hit the valves but when that happens the engine will go off a cylinder because it will bend the valve.It may be a bearing,is this what he means?You have small end and big end bearings which will knock but from what you tell me it was the starter from the start of the problem.I would get a second opinion on the engine but a 1988 im assuming is having a lot of miles so your call if you want to spend money on it.As for the knock,i cant tell less i hear it.If the starter has caused a different problem i really dont know why the engine stopped unless it jammed the flywheel.Which case the engine will stop or spin the starter out of control .So.......get the car home or find a good mechanic ,as for the guy you were talking to i think hes not telling you whats really wrong with it.The piston may knock but certainly wont hit the head its impossible.If the engines running and sounds ok to you ,then replace the starter or get it tightened and see what happens.
Further thoughts on your car.The flywheel could be bent and hitting the bell housing of the transmission causing the knock maybe.Its fixable without too much trouble.