More than likely, your starter bushing is worn out.  It's a little brass bushing that is pressed into the bell housing of the transaxle that the end of the starter rides in.  When it gets worn just a little, the starter will drag.

The bushing cost anywhere from 99 cents to two or three dollars depending on where you buy it.  If it's your first one, they aren't easy to change but after you've changed a few, you can do it blindfolded.

There is a special tool to remove the bushing and I've seen several different home-made tools that work.  But, for me, the easiest way is to thread a M12 tap into it.  When you thread it all the way, the tap will bottom on the engine case . . . keep turning and it will walk the bushing right out.

Try to find a deep well socked that tapers down at the hex end.  You want the diameter of the small end of the socket to be just a little smaller than the inside diameter of the bushing, and the big end to be a little bigger.  Stick the bushing on the socket with wheel bearing grease (you don't want to drop down in the bell housing).  Use a short extension on the socket if you have to . . . line the bushing up with the hole and tap it in.  Stop when it's flush with the flywheel side of the bell housing.  Put a little grease in the bushing and re-install the starter.  If the starter has not damaged its self from dragging, it should speed up to normal.

All
I am getting good at replacing this starter.  I took it out,  opened it , greased the bearings and dumped out the black brush crud, re assembled. installed.   then it did not work.  I said to myself"  Self?  what is the relay thing on my bench for?"   Then I took the starter out again and put the relay thing back on .  As a said before it worked good for a day.     So I am pretty excited about taking it off again and replacing that front Bearing.  A new one at Advance or Auto zone is  is 40 bucks ( I get these stores confused),   and the bearing is 3 bucks.   I'll get the bearings  and try out your advice. Thanks for the advice Zen!
I see your super bus pass me every day.  I drive the toyota eqivalent , a Silver 85 van.  Big and slow like the bus.

Thanks also to Jason.  Your right.. this  here starter does screeeech.

SC

Bosch is the only way to go!  Most of the time you are better off with a half worn out Bosch part than with a brand new non-Bosch part.  If it's electrical and Bosch makes it, DO NOT use anything else.

From CIP1.com's web site:

"We only sell genuine Bosch starters. Because they are the best - don't waste your time and money on a no name starter. Guaranteed for 12 month / 12-000 miles."

I was also wondering were do you live? I live in Lafayette to. I reckan it's good to know theres other Vdubbers in Lafayette for those days were on the side of the road. Don't you thank Zen :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Zen and Jason
I am back on west reed road north of town,  I looked at that old bus you sold a year or 2 ago parked at  the family dollar.  was it blue ?  Mike.

Zen I only drive my VW when I can on the weekends. And I seem to forget when I last put gas in it. Or I seem to find all those bugs that I haven't worked out until I drive it.  :-k