AC engine starter mounting/position

[59 Aceca]

Hello AC folk,
   
   I would appreciate any input on the following.  I noticed the other day that my starter seemed to have backed out slightly from its mounting and was a little wobbly.  I loosened the lock nut and bolt, and wiggled the starter back into place, then tightened the bolt and lock nut again.  Upon briefly test firing the starter I heard some metal on metal so backed out the bolt.  Tried starting again and everything sounded fine.  Drove for a bit then shut the engine off for a couple of minutes.  Upon starting the car back up, I heard a brief metalic sound then the engine ran fine.  I've backed the bolt off twice now with the same result - no metallic sound when the engine is cold, brief metallic sound when the engine is warm.  Should I back out the bolt more?  Back the starter out a bit?  Am I hurting anything?
   
   Thanks in advance for any advice.
   
   Greg

[Robin A Woolmer]

The Bendix might need to be cleaned & lightly lubricated as the starter pinion may not be moving freely to return to its rest position out of way of the ring gear & so just touching it.
   Remove the starter completely & see check if pinion is free to move back without assistance.
   
   Robin

[59 Aceca]

Robin,
   
   Thanks for your quick response and a great suggestion.
   
   Greg