John,
For some extra reading on the clutch, there's this handy bit of information from Anjo (in Dutch):
http://forum.volvo300club.nl/showthread.php?t=5593
The 'green book' (in English) can be found here:
http://www.volvo300mania.com/forum-uk/v ... =36&t=7262
Have you measured the 'clutch gap' correctly? You should do so here:
As we can't really tell if the clutch was replaced by a knowledgeable mechanic, measure the clutch gap at all three locations. All sets of shims should be of exactly the same thickness.
73kkm is not a lot for a Volvo 300 Series CVT clutch to be honest. With the correct maintenance (I think we've got the answer there) they last considerably longer.
As the bodger garage has tried to circumvent the starter inhibitor shortly after the clutch change, I can only assume that the clutch wasn't installed correctly in the first place. That can mean several things.
1) The clutch gap was set incorrectly, see above.
2) The clutch was refurbished with material that has very quickly come loose - the effect is the same as when the linings on the older Daf clutch shoes 'part ways'

3) Since the bell housing has to come off for a clutch change, along with the pressure plate, the whole assembly may have been reinstalled incorrectly.
4) Other defects.
Everything after point 1) requires the lot to be removed. If that is the case, I'd take it out completely and rebuild it according to the books. You can do so with the engine in situ, but removing the engine alltogether could be a faster and easier process.
You'll get this film diva rolling, I am sure of it!
