"Cheap" "VW Cabrio 2.0" Starter Whirring Noise? (ABA conversion)

[Vanagon Nut]

Hi all.

This "new" starter:

https://www.amazon.com/DB-Electrical-SBO0056-Volkswagen-95VW-11000-CB/dp/B007Y85POW

on a Karl Mullendor adaptor plate on a low mile ABA engine conversion has worked flawlessly but....

I recently accidentally ground the starter on flywheel as engine started. Now, engine cold, as starter is released from flywheel (engine starts), I sometimes hear a whirring noise that sounds like a seat belt retractor sometimes makes.

If a part on starter was damaged, could it make that "whirring" noise?

It's remotely possible the noise is from my oil pump but i really doubt it. (first cold start it makes a much different whirring noise at first cold start as the gears fill with oil).

And yes I'll try starting van without my seat belt on.

Thanks

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[danfromsyr]

on cold starts sometimes the grease in solenoid gets stiff and keeps the solenoid engaged. which has the contacts that keeps the starter powered..
so you may need to R&R the starter to update the grease.

[tjet]

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks for those tips guys.

I'm speaking somewhat ignorantly here, especially if this is a gear reduction type starter, (not familiar with those) but if mis use of this starter caused damage to the pinion and-or shaft it spins on which in turn is causing noise, I'm now concerned the pinion might jam or snap off while it turns the engine. That would be a crap fest.

At ~ $80 USD I don't expect metal quality metal in this part. But....

The same model starter has worked flawlessly in my other ABA for quite a few miles over several years.

It's a bit warmer out today but I'll try to capture audio of the noise.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN