The invention discloses an electric motor starter with the function of manual turning. A main shaft, a drive gear mechanism, a shifting fork, an electromagnetic relay guide rod and a first return spring are arranged in a shell of the electric motor starter. A gear shifting mechanism comprises a force exertion piece, a normally-closed switch, a locating piece and a first return piece. The force exertion piece extends out of the shell of the electric motor starter to serve as an external force application point and drives the electromagnetic relay guide rod to move rightwards. The normally-closed switch is used for cutting off a power source of the electric motor starter when the force exertion piece moves to the limiting position. The locating piece is used for locking the force exertion piece when the force exertion piece moves to the limiting position. The first return piece is used for automatic return after the force exertion piece is unlocked. Two manners that the transmission mechanism is used for indirect turning for main shaft rotation and a turning tool is used for direct turning for main shaft rotation are adopted in a turning mechanism. On the premise of not influencing the existing function of a traditional electric motor starter, the structure of the electric motor starter is improved, the function of manual turning is added, an engine flywheel gear ring can be accurately located during maintenance, efficiency is improved, and potential safety hazards are eliminated.