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