I have a 2014(64) plate citigo with the 59bhp 1.0 engine with roughly 77000 miles. It’s had the cam belt done in time and serviced 6 months ago. However recently after driving it in the wet through some puddles and Maybe driving it a bit harder than I should it developed a fairly loud bumping/knocking noise when starting. It can clearly be heard from the inside over the engine starting noise. It seems to be when just as the engine starts to fire. It appears to come from the lower passenger side of the car in the engine bay. I immediately thought starter motor but possibly worse. I can’t get under the car due to the citigo being so low. Any help on what I could be before I panic, possibly a bearing? Thanks

I think it's unlikely to be a starter motor bearings, but it could be the gear that engages/disengages.

I assume the noise stops once you are started, but if you listen from the front of the car with the bonnet up and rev the engine, can you hear anything then?

Does the noise change/stop/start when you let go of the clutch pedal?

 

Is the coolant nice & clean and full?  (Thinking about water pump.)

 

Can you record the sound and post the file?

 

The noise is only there when starting, the engine Revs smoothly with no knocking or bumping, and I do also get a rattling noise when the clutch is up in neutral but I’m told that is normal, coolant looks good and the car is generally in good condition other than this noise, I’m probably going to take it to a garage to investigate thanks for your help though.

Could be broken tooth on starter gear or flywheel ring gear...

 

Let's hope that it turns out to be  something simple & cheap!