Sounds like a slipping alternator belt to me. Sounds just like metal to metal.
That is exactly what mine did.

As a test, try pressing a block of parafin against  the belt as it  runs in the
V-groove of the pulleys. The belt should quieten down. If so, check your belt
tension. If the tension is correct, there should be no screech, but if it has
just a lttle slippage from improper tension, it will screech, especially at
startup, but the wax will lube the slippage so it is not dry slippage, and that
will stop the noise as it slips. But you still have to tighten it up.

John Rodgers
"88GL Driver whose wasserboxer has died

Davidson wrote:

> Okay...
> Today I started my 90 Westy Syncro about five times in quick succession and
> there was a tremendously loud skreeeech... then the sixth seventh eight
> times no skreeeech.
> One time I ran around to the engine and the sound appeared to be coming from
> the alternator. The sound is more like metal on metal than a squeaky fan
> belt.
> So what do you guys think.... alternator bearings?
> If so, any guess as to how long it will last at this point?
> Thanks
> Bill