a4 1.9tdi 130 engine noise

[robert.]

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my audi a4 b6 2002 1.9tdi 130. The problem only occurred today for the first time and i'm quite worried about it. Here's what happened.

Turned the key to start the engine and i got this very unpleasant and aggressive noise coming from the engine. It sounded like metal scraping, or like a bearing or something was loose
This noise only lasted while turning the key to fire up the engine. As soon as the engine fired up it was running perfect with no strange sounds.
I suspected the timing belt or the tensioner so i pulled off the cover and inspected it... everything was fine. Also took the rocker cover off and had a look in there, no problems there. I'm not sure if its the starter motor? The noise seems to be coming from the centre/back of the engine.
I wish i had even a rough idea as to what this could be because it doesn't sound healthy at all and i'm afraid of damage happening.
i would really appreciate if someone could give me word of advice on this one.

[matta4]

Hi It sounds like its your starter motor if it is only doing it when you turn the engine over it may not be dis engaging properly it may also be clutch/flywheel related it would be best to get it diagnosed at a garage as if its either of these you are at risk of being stranded when the part fails does it do it when you depress the clutch and try to start it?

[robert.]

Yes, i tried starting the engine with the clutch depressed, and it still creates the same noise. If its just the starter i would be happy enough, where is the clutch would take much more time and money.

[matta4]

It may be worth nipping it to a garage for accurate diagnosis but have a search on the forum for things like "dual mass flywheel" "clutch" starter motor etc and see if any symptoms match yours. Noises are hard to diagnose correctly without hearing them but your on the right track if its coming from the back of the engine .

[robert.]

I'll have to look into it as soon as possible. Will pull off the starter motor and check it but as you say it probably is a flywheel issue. On Saturday morning it will go to get plugged in to see if anything will show up.

Thanks very much for your very useful advice

[robert.]

Found out what the problem was... the starter motor! At least its cheap enough to get it fixed.

[matta4]

Great news better than a flywheel glad its sorted

[robert.]

The output shaft of the starter motor was broken (due to someone hitting it) so whenever the starter would have been applied its drive pinion would have wondered about, which means it wasn't perfectly aligned with the flywheel.

I got a second hand starter motor from the breakers yard and fitted it. Now i'm left with a bit of clunking noise (nothing as bad as before) while applying the starter and ticking noise while the engine is running which seems to be coming from the flywheel area
The starter motor probably did damage to the flywheel.
Does anyone know how i could make sure if its the flywheel or not?
What are the symptoms of a flywheel that's giving up?

[Andy Marks]

Is the ticking noise louder when cold and quieter when warm?

Could just be the exhaust manifold gasket has started to disintergtate?

[robert.]

Thank's Andy Marks

The clicking noise seems to be the same when its warm or cold. When the car is stationary, i put it into gear and release the clutch to its biting point which makes the noise completely stop. That's why i think that its probably is the flywheel...