Starter

A starter, comprising:

• a motor that generates a rotational force;
• an output shaft that rotates with the rotational force transmitted thereto;
• a snap ring that is fit in a locking groove provided to the output shaft in a circumferential direction;
• a first pressed body that is inhibited from moving in one axial direction by the snap ring;
• a second pressed body that is provided to the output shaft and defines a clearance portion together with the first pressed body by opposing the first pressed body in an axial direction;
• an engaging member that is engageable with and disengageable from the clearance portion after the snap ring is fit in the locking groove and includes at least a shift lever that moves the output shaft in the axial direction by pressing one of the first and second pressed bodies in the axial direction when engaged with the clearance portion;
• a pinion that meshes with a ring gear of an engine by moving in the axial direction integrally with the output shaft and starts the engine by rotating integrally with the ring gear;
• and
• a locking portion that is disposed between the snap ring and the shift lever to be movable on the output shaft and locks at least a part of an outer circumference portion of the snap ring when the engaging member is engaged with the clearance portion,
• wherein an axial length (A) of the locking portion is shorter than an axial movable length (B) of the locking portion when the snap ring is fit in and removed from the locking groove and longer than the axial movable length (C) of the locking portion when the engaging member is engaged with the clearance portion.