[V8] starter noise

[Scott Simmons]

Every 1 out of 5 starts, the starter makes a horrible noise.  I don't 
let it do it for long, and the next turn usually starts the car, 
although I have gotten 3 of these in a row once.  It sounds like a high 
pitched grinding.  Is this the starter hitting the ring gear or just the 
drive gear failing to kick out?  I'd like to wait on replacing the 
$tarter for the next few weeks, but if it's tearing up the flywheel, 
what choice do I have...? =|

Any BTDTs?

~Scott Simmons