Starter motor whizz noise - gear pinion slow to retract?

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 26 May 2026, 15:43

Hi All
[2009 Xsara Picasso 1.6 DOHC petrol]

This is my 4th picasso, only recently bought, good condition - starts and works fine, BUT ...

Most times when I start it there is a whizzing noise for about a second as the 'bendix gear' cog retracts from flywheel (assume that's what it is, no noise once started and running).
Is this just a lack of oil on the mechanism or something else?

Battery and connections to starter solenoid all good and tight.

Suggestions appreciated, Capn K

Unread post by **Sloppysod** » 26 May 2026, 17:19

Is this what you mean?
When you start the engine everything works as expected, no grating noises, and it starts straight away, but when you release key the starter is still spinning for a few seconds?
Of so, it could be clutch dust on the starter output shift So I would remove the starter, inspect and clean it.

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 26 May 2026, 21:24

Hi Stu,
Yes, that's about it, but goes on as if the starter pinion is stays engaged with the gear ring on the flywheel for a times before freeing (so the engine is spinning the starter motor), which I assume is not good. I hadn't throught of clutch dust. I'd hoped not to have to remove the started as you need to be an octopus to get at it ... but hey ...

One other thing, there is a rubber plug at the bottom of the bell housing through which I can see the the teeth of the starter ring, which were rusty. I've used a paint brush to put **small** amounts of oil on the teeth, which stopped the noise for about a week.

I have a supucion this car has driven through a flood or something, there's signs of that.

Cheers, Capn K

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 27 May 2026, 15:59

Hi Marc,
I suppose the main thing I need to know is, can I leave it as it is, or is it going to wreck the starter motor soon?
Thanks for adviuce,
best wishes, Captain K

Unread post by **PaulC5** » 27 May 2026, 21:55

Never mind the starter motor, it is the flywheel ring gear you need to be concerned about. A starter is relatively easy and cheap to replace compared to the flywheel.

Unread post by **captainkephart** » 29 May 2026, 09:42

Yes, thanks Paul.
I looked just now and the teeth are in good condition

Looking through the bellhousing access holes I could see enogh of the starter shaft / pinion to get some WD40 on it (but not on clutch!).
Whizz noise has gone away, so it was a dust / lubrication issue after all.

Thanks all,

Capn K

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