Hi,

Ive decided its time the RS had a bit of treatment for which i have a few (quite simple) questions.

Im going to do the cambelt and waterpump. These are 5k short of the 60k interval but its all piece of mind. Question is, what are the best ones for the money? I know the waterpump needs to be metal and not plastic but anyone know the good sets? I presume gates is always good?

Secondly, my starter motor doesnt disengage and makes a bit of a noise on start ups. It only does it on the initial start up and if i turn the car off and start again it wont do it. Guessing the buhes inside have worn out and it isnt responsive enough to "turn itself off" so to speak. Is it best to buy a new one (expensive) or get a scond hand one....or even rebuild one with new bushes?

Once ive done these jobs (and fixed my boot as per another thread) my car will be fault free which im keen to get to.

Any advice is appreciated.

With the starter motor I believe the screeching noise is because there's a pinion inside it which gets gummed up over time and sticks. You can take the SM off and strip it down for a clean and there have been a few threads on how to do this in the past (about 3 years ago, do a search on here).

I think last time I looked they were about £90-100 for a new one as mine used to do it but only in the winter months so I just ignored it.

EDIT: Here's a good guide from VWVortex http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2269482

Gates stuff should be fine or TPS. Might be worth considering changing the damper too whilst youre there (around £50).

Also use the genuine coolant. Change thermostat too?

Ah, I've had this noise, I'd assumed it was my DMF on the way out..

Im a if it aint broke dont fix it sorta guy. Thermostat is perfect always sits at 90 bang on.

Ill be getting a new damper for sure

The starter motor thing may be worth me getting one cheap...rebuild it and throw it on when the car is on the ramps.