Abstract: A starter is provided with a device for protecting an internal combustion engine against damage resulting from rapid repeated starting. The device holds the starter pinion meshed in the ring gear after an aborted attempt at starting and, after the starter switch is opened and the main current supply to the starter motor is disconnected, for as long as a voltage which is induced by the rotation of the armature shaft of the coasting starter motor flows through the device. The protection device can consist of a winding which is connected to the exciter winding of the starter motor. When current flows through the winding, a stop armature is extended and counteracts an unmeshing movement of the pinion.