Can an engaged starter sound like a clutch problem?

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <337B2CD2.1E6DCD61@pilabs.com> John writes:

> It occurred to me that my noises MIGHT be due to the starter failing
> to properly disengage for the following reasons:

Doubt it.
 
However, the starter is a very simple brute force device - it responds well to 
being taken off, cleaned up and _lightly_ lubricated.  It's also a job on which 
there's almost nothing you can do wrong.  Disconnect the battery - the thick 
cable to the starter is _always_ live and very dangerous if it hits the 
chassis.  If you're too close when it sparks over, you can lose eyes.

Your problems sound very like the throw-out bearing.  Be thankful you don't 
have a TORSEN ur-quattro - it's a minimum 12-hour labour charge.  Get the other 
stuff done while you're down there, and you won't have to open her up again for 
another 100k miles.

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club