It is a sign that the dog on the starter motor isn't engaging properly with the flywheel.

The starter motors are "pre engaged". A solenoid meshes the dog on the starter with the flywheel and then sets the starter turning. If the dog doesn't engage properly you can wear the starter ring gear and that is an engine split from the gearbox job to fix. It may just be dirty, or you may need a replacement starter motor.

I found duct tape lost its grip once it got warm. I have been using the sticky back foil tape instead, that also rips after a while but it sticks quite well.

I'll get one of those ordered then, a valentines treat for the old motor.

James I have not been that way since last spring, its a lovely city so have been meaning to visit again soon. I will let you know when we are passing. Likewise you are welcome over this way too, this time of year is nice, before all the tourists get here.

Thanks for that. So I'll take it off clean it up and see how it goes. Anything in there need lubrication?

No, it should be dry and clean, just put a bit of graphite on it to lube it.

This is a top tip and should be placed there. So many people put oil or WD40 on it.

So what news of this part time pampered garage queen? It has been a while since my last update on Olive. The only bit of pampering has been one wash and buff up of her blue bits, as the cream keeps on shining.

Since last post:
-New air box lid fitted and running much improved.
-CD player, aerial, and speakers all fitted and wired up. Giving a new dimension to driving the car. Some people say you should not have radios in 2cvs and that you need to be able to listen sounds the car makes so that you know all is well. Well, I now have music AND can still hear all rattles wheezes and hums in the back ground, best of both worlds. I actually find it more relaxing to drive because I’m not just listening out for my car breaking down.
-New spark plugs, oil but not oil filter as the little basket would not shift and literally took the skin of my hand. Never untighten something with rubber glove on (pinched the wife’s Marigold’s) because you can’t tell when your skin is coming off underneath. I brought one of the bike chain style oil filter removers, is there room to manoeuvre it under the bonnet? NO. So filter stays until next change, once my hand recovers.
-Dim-dip system finally fully ripped out and by passed.
-Finally, most importantly, lots of driving and picnics about the countryside.

Today was MOT day. So kingpins were engorged with grease, the knife edges buttered and suspension cans oiled too while I was down there. Plus handbrake tightened after last year’s fail. Well the old girl has done me proud, PASSED with a couple of advisories: a little play in the steering and some signs of corrosion about brake pipes. Relief, it is like bringing the cats back from the vets and NOT being stitched with some expensive medication that does not work.

Future plans, delights and chores include:
-Speedo cable still keeps popping out.
-Carburettor manifold (I have a spare from a kind local Gent) needs replacing.
-Nearside rear door not fully shutting, it holds on the catch but leaves a gap.
-Chrome trim between the body and the rear wing has fallen out, wing overall a bit loose and needs re fixing.
-Bit more rust proofing under the car.
-Need to check brake pads.
-Need some new wheels and tyres.
-Tidy away the wiring hanging out the back of the CD player.
-Maybe some extra speakers for the sound system.

Nice on on the MoT! Such a pretty car

i bought a teng tool oil filter renchj (to go with everything else i buy teng) it has a strap not a chain and is bloody marvelous!