Could this noise be my starter motor?

[dansedgli]

GQ mav 4.2 petrol.

I got my clutch done on Friday by a workshop. Ive done maybe 30kms since.

Now when I start my car it sounds like a there is a bolt getting thrown around somewhere near the bellhousing area.

It rattles for a bit then the noise goes away. I took it for a short drive and the noise didnt happen on the 5 minute drive. When I got home I started the car and noise happened for 5 seconds or so.

It seems to only do it when I start the car and it does it for a varied amount of time but it goes away every time after a 5-20 seconds or so.

Now about 100kms ago (3 months and 1 trip out before my clutch let go) I put a brand new (off ebay) starter motor in.

Since new It would start the car then make a grinding noise once the car started for a split second. The same sound you get when you try and start the car when its already running.

Is it possible that this new rattling sound is the starter motor? Has anyone had their starter motor make nut and bolt rattling noises? Its either that or a loose flywheel bolt I guess.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dan

[coxy321]

Not too sure about your "nut and bolt rattling noises", but generally if you get that over-driven whirring sound from your starter motor after the car starts, it will most likely be dags on your pinion (starter motor drive gear), which will be making the starter motor stick to the ring gear rather than being thrown off and retracting. It could also be that your ring gear has dags on it and has consequently damaged your starter motor's pinion.

If it sounds like there's more too it (more nasty sounds), take the car back to the workshop that did your clutch. They will have a workmanship warranty/policy that should cover their stuff up.

Coxy