Abstract: Engine starting apparatus for cranking an internal combustion engine. The engine is connected to a ring gear and the starting apparatus has a pinion that is meshed with the ring gear during engine cranking. The pinion is driven by an electric cranking motor. A speed responsive clutch is connected between the cranking motor and the pinion. The clutch is engaged during engine cranking to drive the pinion from the cranking motor. When the engine starts, the speed responsive clutch is disengaged to disconnect the cranking motor from the pinion. Clutch disengagement occurs in response to an increase in the speed of rotation of the clutch which occurs after the engine starts.