Grinding noise when starting...

[djs]

I have a 1975 2.0. and have been experiencing a grinding noise that is getting louder. It happens when I crank the engine over. Just as it catches, there is a loud noise as the starter disengages from the flywheel. It sounds like the starter drive is not pulling back from the flywheel soon enough. I also now begin to notice the the cranking sound itself is getting louder.

Is this just the typical worn out starter drive, or should I be suspecting worse problems? The starter itself works fine, and I've never had a problem with a failure to engage the flywheel. It's just gotten a lot noisier.

Dan