Hi all I have a problem with my son's Fabia 1.4tdi 2008 , it won't start ! It sounds like starter spinning but not engaging . Have put a new starter on and still the same . When it last ran it was making a noise from the clutch area especially when accellerating (  even lightly) , Tow started it to rule out major mechanical failure , and still making noise from clutch and like a constant metallic grating noise from the flywheel , any ideas ?

Maybe the starter ring gear has broken and detached from the flywheel.

Thanks for the reply , that was my thoughts although on removing the starter motor the flywheel doesn't appear to have any teeth missing and doesn't seem loose on prodding with a prybar .