Yes, it is possible to damage the gear but more than likely no real harm was done if you only did it for a few seconds.
When you say, that it won't "turn over", it is assumed that the engine will not crank when you attempt to engage the starter. If it's cranking but the engine isn't starting the following doesn't apply. If it's not cranking... Usually it's battery, alternator or battery terminals. If that isn't the problem start checking the neutral lockout, the keyswitch or the starter and/or solenoid.
may be a bad starter..... or if the engine is cranking with no start it could be the ignition wires
How does it not start? is it cranking? Could be many things, battery, starter, etc.
Check to see if you have an exhaust leak onto the starter. An overheated starter is one issue. Check the ignition timing Check that the fuel pump works when cranking engine Check for spark when cranking These can all be caused by heat.
biggest problem with ford starters burning out is caused by a bad battery and prolonged engine turning over if hard to start. if starter has been replaced, your battery may not have correct cranking amps. bare in mind that a hot engine actually takes more cranking amps than a cold engine to start.
i would check the cranking circuit,starter,starter relay,ignition switch,neutral safety switch.
Probably either the fuel pump or starter coil going out. Starter coil would be no cranking, pump would be cranking but no spark.
There could be quite a few reasons why the car won't start. If cranking or turning over the engine is the problem and the starter is good, it may be the battery. If the engine turns over but won't start you have bigger problems...
The manual transmission has a starter interlock which prevents the engine from cranking unless the clutch pedal is depressed
There are two SMALL wires on the starter. They are connected wrong.
Answer: Check your starter
If the engine is cranking over fast(starter and battery ok) and it just won't start, it could be alot of things If the engine is cranking slowly, it could be the starter, the battery, or the alternator(not charging the battery) check your cables from the battery to the engine and the body... good luck d