Technical Screaming starter motor

[Punto1cab]

Mk1 Cabrio 1997 1.3. 62000miles
First time starting the starter does not engage...loud screech as it spins but doesn't engage. Try it again a few times & it stars perfectly! Usually for the rest of the day it behaves fine.
What do you think? Sticky pinion? dodgy solenoid? Bad earth?
Bound not to be the simple fix!!
And the starter seems buried so I need a ramp to get at it!

 

[Noddy]

Sounds like starter will need replacing. I have replaced them from above, not too bad a job. Even from underneath you cant see/reach much more.

 

[Punto1cab]

Sounds like starter will need replacing. I have replaced them from above, not too bad a job. Even from underneath you cant see/reach much more.

I have one on order....it was getting worse (no surprise!) Should be ok again by tomorrow
D

 

[blu73]

sounds like the pinon is sticking, the screech would be it just touching the flywheel teeth but not catching at a guess.. but you've ordered one, they arent expensive and are easy to change so jobs a good'un