strange sounding starter motor and flat batt!

[vee-dub]

Hi, I've got a 2L Aircooled. Since yesterday the starter motor, when I'm trying to start the engine, sounds like it's spining really fast a bit like an air tool drill bit when it's on. It was starting up until just now absolutely fine with this noise but now the battery is flat and it won't start. I was using it earier and the battery is charging and shouldn't that dead. Does anyone have any ideas or has the starter motor gone? cheers!

[VWCamperfan]

Hi - Welcome to the club.
Take starter motor off and clean the shaft on the motor that the gear slides along to engage onto the flywheel. Apply a few drops of engine oil once done to the shaft and all should be well again.
The starter motor is spinning without engaging onto the flywheel and won't turn the engine. A clean of the motor as above should do it.