MK2 16v

[M.P.H.]

when slowing down changing down the gear my engine makes a strange noise, like a grinding or scraping noise. appears to be worse when cold. when standing i  rev the engine and it does it occasionally when decelarating.  what mpg should i expect round town and on a run. any ideas

[rubjonny]

Exhaust manifold heat shields rattling, or belts/pullys catching on the timing belt covers are my first thoughs

You should get roughly 35mpg out of a 16v depending on your driving, up to 40 can be achived but you do have to drive like an old woman 

[M.P.H.]

 Used the car this week, appears to run fine and pull well, just this scrapping or grinding noise like metal on metal when you change down a gear. the noise only lasts seconds. any ideas im confused to say the least.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

i get a wierd grinding noise if i partially push down the clutch, just before the clutch moves it sounds grindy, might be this? do you drive with your foot resting on the clutch? ive had to stop doing this..

[rubjonny]

Sounds like the cable is on its way out.  First thing I'd do is fit a new manual cable from VW, you don't want your clutch cable snapping in the middle of nowhere

[M.P.H.]

Don't think it's anything to do with the clutch guys, i can rev the engine by hand while stood over it and can hear the noise on the front passager side of the engine. Will have another look to see if i can give more detail.

[M.P.H.]

ok, noise is coming from what i believe is the start motor. At the bottom of the radiator fan, is this possible. The part looks brand new so was probably replaced by the last owner, does this mean anything to anyone. I can only guess this was changed to try and fix the fault, was told it had made the noise the whole three years the last owner had it. any ideas

[rubjonny]

I was talking more to veedubgti16v to be honest!

I can't think how the starter motor could have anything to do with it?  Unless the front engine mount is knackered whic is in the same area.  Do you notice any significant engine movement?  Have you checked all the belts and heat shields like I mentioned in the first place?

Don't worry if this makes little sence I've just come back from the pub 

[rubjonny]

Thinking about it now whilst sober    It sounds like the clutch release bearing, does the noise go away if you dip the clutch?

[M.P.H.]

OK, took the car round a mates today who a mechanic. It's defiantely the starter motor, which has been replaced recentley. It appears to be turning for a second or two when slowing down to a stop, also when reved while stationary and as the revs reduce. He's never come across it before, he suggested looking at the relay as it is fine when ticking over. Will try to work out if a only happens at so many revs. Anyone come across this before.