kinda OT (same engine) - the passat starter delema

[amalventano1 at tds.net (Allyn)]

OK, to add to the delema, I just removed the starter. I was pleased to find
all flywheel teeth in tact, however I was unhappy to find that I can rotate
a wheel while in 5th gear, and the flywheel rotates freely (without rotating
the engine). Ugh, what the heck can cause that?!?!?!

Could all 6 flywheel bolts have backed out?

Al

> -----Original Message-----
> From: scirocco-l-bounces+amalventano1=tds.net@scirocco.org
> [mailto:scirocco-l-bounces+amalventano1=tds.net@scirocco.org] On Behalf Of
> Allyn
> Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2005 7:40 PM
> To: scirocco list
> Subject: kinda OT (same engine) - the passat starter delema
> 
> Ok, so some of you may have remembered me posting looking for a starter a
> few days back. Heres the situation:
> 
> 
> 
> We had some high water around here a week ago when the storm passed by us.
> The wife's Passat started doing weird starter things, where the starter
> would spin free and 'not catch', but then after a few tries it would start
> fine and she would be on her way. A few days later it wouldn't start
> (still
> spinning free), and nothing would make it work. I removed the starter and
> cleaned out the throw out portion of it, lubricating it a bit as well. I
> reinstalled it, same result (spins free, does not engage). I figure the
> solenoid is toast, so I get a replacement. I put it in part way, checking
> for movement (to ensure the old bushing had a tight tolerance - it did). I
> install it fully, jump in, and it does the same freggin thing - spinning
> free. I figure a couple of teeth could be missing from the flywheel, so I
> put it in gear and roll it a foot, attempt to crank again, still spinning
> free. It doesn't seem to be jamming or anything, as it coasts down
> smoothly
> when the cranking is stopped. Tomorrow morning I'm pulling the starter
> again
> and looking in the hole to check it out, but in the meantime, any ideas???
> 
> 
> 
> - 2 bad starters in a row?
> 
> - all teeth missing on a flywheel? (I've never seen anything close to that
> on an older 16v setup)
> 
> - something up with the tranny housing that prevents the pinion from
> throwing out?
> 
> 
> 
> I'm at a loss.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance for suggestions
> 
> Al
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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