Its probably a common fault but sometimes my starter let's out a scream of pain on start up. I've been told that even if i put a new one on it will only last 6 months which seems strange ? Before i slip a new one in is there anything i can do to prolong the life ?

Is it a high pitched sound that stops shortly after the engine starts? If that is the case, the starter must be taken apart, cleaned up and greased well with high temp red grease. This did the trick for me for one year and counting.

Recording the problem and uploading to YT will help.

I have exactly this! Really annoying

Ditto !

Yeah its really annoying. Thanks flash i will try that when it stops raining

Who told you a new one would only last six months?? As above if the noise is what I think it is the heat drives the grease out and they go dry take it apart and grease it up before its knackered (I previously found with a couple that they seem to get worse in cold weather??)

Yes they do get worst in cold weather because the grease gets thicker and lubricates harder.

Edited 24 November, 201411 yr by Flash92

Judging by the sound the chances are that its beyond help but i will change it and keep it greased i think

Thanks for the help people

 

If this is the sound you are hearing, then the starter is the problem. General problem for Mk1 / Mk4 Golfs, Bora, etc

Take it off, strip it, add grease, refit, job done.

When our Polo did that, I just got a used one from a scrapyard and swapped them over.

Yeah Flash92 that's the noise. Just sounds like a run on. I think i will take it off clean and grease it and see what happens when i get a day off

mine too lol so its common issue :(

Me too. .. Remove starter motor clean it then I put a drop of oil on it seems to last 18 months then needs doing again.

is this an easy job? for the average home mechanic?

weekend job all going well

Yes it is. Search youtube for cleaning starter engine and you will find plenty of tutorials.

Good luck!

is this an easy job? for the average home mechanic?

Airbox and battery need to come out AFAIK. I got that far then couldn't actually remove the starter motor due to difficult access to the bolts and my allen keys not being that good. Mine has made the noise for 3 years and hasn't actually got any worse.

Here. Best tutorial you can get. Exactly the same as Octy

 

I love it, it just remind me im driving a vag lol