Noise and smoke when starting

[DLTARNU]

Had a very odd thing happen yesterday. When I started the car in the morning, I released the key a bit early and a horrid buzzing/grinding sound came from under the hood, shortly followed by a decent amount of smoke.

I opened the hood to make sure nothing was on fire and looked to see if anything was blackened, but saw nothing abnormal.

So with the hood open, I started the engine. This time it worked fine. It has run normally since, and I've put about 150 miles on it without a problem, but I'm still a bit nervous.

Any idea what happened?


Thanks!

 

[dave6666]

Is anyone missing their cat?

 

[AJT]

Take a look underneath at the starter. See if it is blackened.