Starter motor metalic "ting" sound.

[boatdude100]

2007 3L (red)
It sounds like a momentary metalic"ting" as the starter disengages.
Maybe making contact with thin piece of thin metal when retracting perhaps?
Is that an unpainted "spacer" I see between starter motor and flywheel?

Could I be risking flywheel damage? Anyone know what is causing this or had this before?

Sorry, I'm unable to upload audio MP3 or M4a/mov video for some reason. Hopefully admin can fix the "file could not be written to server, admin will need to resolve" issue
I will continue to try to upload file. Thank you!

 

[Dillusion808]

Try using shims.

Should be able to get a cheap kit at any local auto store.

 

[ESGWheel]

While we currently cannot listen to the ‘ting’ your description does sound like the starter pinion gear striking the flywheel cover or perhaps it’s the flywheel itself ringing upon disengaging due to a misalignment. You are correct to be concerned and I assume it’s a new noise.

Thus, please provide more info and background. Did it start only recently? If yes, what’s different? Any maintenance or starter replacement? Does it sound different when starting as well? If yes, perhaps your starter bolts are coming loose, so check that out as well (even if no change in starting sound).

Shims are used to adjust the pinion (starter) and ring (flywheel) gear’s engagement. In other words, these two gears have an ideal mesh. Too loose or too tight will cause issues so would be odd to suddenly need to add shims unless something changed like the starter.