There is a one-way clutch in the Bendix that lets the flywheel go
faster than the starter when the engine fires and the starter has not
yet withdrawn.  I believe that these sometimes "chatter" and cause a
squealing sound.  I'm surprised that Scott didn't tell you to
lubricate it.   :-)
  If the noise lasts for more than a fraction of a second, after you
release the key, the solenoid may be gummed up preventing it from
pulling back promptly.
  AT or MT ?

Larry A.

On Sat, Oct 23, 2010 at 6:40 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans
<scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> that's my thought too ..
> if that's what it is ..
> it's the Bendix drive gear on the starter.
>
> though ....usually what happens when one is bad is that the starter will
> crank the engine at first, but then disengage and zing before you get it
> fired up ..
> or ....it'll not engage at all sometimes. , and zing, like half the time
> when you go to start it..
>
> a good next step might be to remove and examine the starter ..or try another
> one quickly if you have a spare.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Fisher" <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 2:47 PM
> Subject: Re: Starter sings
>
>
>> 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
>