My first thought is that you've nearly answered your own question... sounds
like the gear isn't full disengaging from the flex plate/flywheel. Could be
excessive gunk, a weak spring or?

Cya,
Robert
On Oct 23, 2010 2:28 PM, "John Rodgers" <inua@charter.net> wrote:
> Well, this is not new on my daily driver - an '88 GL- It started a
> while back, just now getting attention, ie - getting louder).
>
> Immediately after start-up, right at the point where I let go of the key
> to let the spring kick it back to the running position, the starter
> (apparently while dis-engaging but not sure) give off the
> whhhhiiinnnnngggnnnnnn sound, gong from low to high pitch. Not sure
> exactly how to describe it, but it's annoying to say the least, and
> surely is an indication of some problem developing. Starter works very
> well in starting. No dragging or any thing like that . Starts the engine
> on the first try every time. With cold weather coming, I would like to
> get this tended to before the cold sets in to stress all systems.
>
> Any ideas, Volks?
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com