Rattle

[schnowz]

  Some of you may remember me complaining of a rattle at startup. It comes 
from the Starter area and goes away if the engine is racing, but if it gets 
close to stalling, as you take the choke off, there is a irregular 
clattering noise. I'm thinking the starter clutch or alternator 
chain/tensioner and less likely the coupling damper on the alternator.
   It doesn't sound like a bearing ,or at least radial play, though I 
suppose it could be axial...
The book says to remove the carbs to get the starter motor off. And remove 
the engine, and to split the crankcase to get the starter clutch out? Is 
this correct? If so I'll jest let the bastid rattle,

  Anyone had this noise or have any thoughts?

  TIA
   Pete S