Starter jammed against the flywheel

[golfpro93]

I have a 1.9tdi Octavia on a 2000. I recently had a new clutch and SMF switchover. Every now and again (going round sharp corners at low speeds) I get a metalic tinkle - I'm presumuing from the SMF. Today I got a prelonged tinkle after a scoot away from the lights. At the next set a little perturbed by this I turned the igniton off and then on - except there was no on. I assumed battery failure but my very good indi tells me the starter motor was jammed against the SMF - they put it in gear and rocked it and all is now running fine. Its still a bit disconcerting re commuting or even round town. Ideas anyone in terms of it being just a glitch or something else?

Edited 11 March, 2015 by golfpro93

[KenONeill]

I wonder, the following are possible rather than likely:-

• Solonoid not pulling pinion all the way back and holding it there every time.
• Ring gear not in right place on flywheel (slightly too near engine.

[golfpro93]

When the same garage fitted the clutch/SMF they said they'd never seen a FWheel that heavy/large. I'm just (also) wondering whether it was simply 'clearance issues' - but that would be all the time surely?

[pauldazzle]

Starter motor not disengaging properly is pretty common on early VAG 1.8t's, could be the same on the 1.9tdi.

[golfpro93]

Its not a problem I've had though until the SMF change. I would think almost certainly connected in some way.

[golfpro93]

Just an update on this. It started fine this morning but the more it is run the more it 'seem's to have issues starting. 3 engine turns first thing. 5 the next time it was started. Bit odd with a hot engine that generally improves with running starting wise.