I just got thru friday putting the 4th starter in my Syncro.
What a H#$#@$#%$ of a job to do 4 times. Mine was rebuilt about
 a year ago, when I had the Trans. out to prevent having this
problem. It stopped working around Xmas. Replaced it, in the snow,
with a used one, until I could get it rebuilt, again. Well the used one
went dead Monday and on Wensday I put the rebuild back in. 3 cranks
and it quit. I got pissed. Called Ron for a complete new starter.
Had it overnighted to my door and on friday I was on the road. This
starter sounds like it's running faster than the engine.

   Anyway you have one of 3 problems. Gears may not be engaging
because the solenoid is weak. Gear on starter bad. Ring gear on
fyiwheel bad. Remove the starter and inspect the ring gear for
warn teeth. This is going to be a pain. You may need to use a mirror
and lots of light. The only fix for a ring gear is remove the Trans.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Sun, 14 Mar 1999, Jim & Melody wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
> I've got a new little problem and will appreciate any advice.  Last four 91
> Syncro starts have had a nasty grind/buzz for a second just before starter
> engages.  The starter still engages and engine starts fine.  My guess is the
> starter gear is not engaging fully initially but I'd appreciate any of your
> thoughts if you've had similar problems and/or solutions before.
>
> TIA
>
> Jim
> Alamogordo NM
>