Thanks, Dennis  - I should have stipulated this awful sound is made upon
release of the key, generally.  Sounds like the solenoid assembly then, but
it appears cheaper to replace the whole unit as rebuilt than buy a few
parts.  Could also check with a local rebuilder.

Alan

On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 10:50 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:

> The starter and even the bushing really is not that bad a job. If you think
> the bushing is bad you need to check it. If falls out or disintegrates then
> continued operation will result in the bore for the bushing getting ovaled
> out and this will require removing the bell housing for a machine shop
> repair. The bendix (over running clutch) on the starter gear could be bad
> making for an awful sound on engagement or release.
>
> Dennis
>
>