dmf/starter motor

[belly]

hi is it possible or fairly easy to get at rather, to whip out the starter motor on a fwd 280 to check for the mettalic silver dust to see if the dmf is on its way? i still cant figure out if mine is on its way or not !!! even after 200 miles today dont know if im just being paranoid after reading how common it is cheers

[Nighthawk]

As long as you haven't got A/C you'll be able to get the starter off in about 15 minutes. If you have A/C the pipe work and compressor get in the way a bit and it takes a bit longer to get at the nuts for the battery lead and solenoid wiring.

The front wheel drives don't really suffer that much tbh, it's the RWD 2.4 engine which used to have quality issues. Current level parts from 03/04 CD suffix have been very durable.

The metal dust will only be there if the spacing washer has failed, it's quie possible to have a U/S DMF and have no dust.

Whats the exact cause of concern for you and what power output is it?

[belly]

its a 100 ps output and my concern is when i pull away granted with little revs thers is a sort of banging noise similar to when a engine mount is gone but a few more revs its fine i know i might just be paranoid but its my own van and its my bread and butter so really trying to look after it really !!! cheers