I'm looking for some help diagnosing my flywheel ring gear chew up...

Starter looks fine - teeth are good on it. I'm 99% sure it's the right starter. I worked fine for 16 months - ever since I've been on the road. If anyone knows how distinguish between a 914 starter and a regular VW start (if there is any difference?) - please let me know.

Here are the pics.

I can't tell you the differences, but what I do know is that the 914 starter can wear out the bearing and get some play on the end of the shaft even though it seems tow work fine.
I had a regular 914 starter spinning my V-8 for about 5 years when it started skipping. Perhaps you have an old starter, or a high compression engine. I bet the cause is that bearing in the output shaft of the starter.
Bruce
old v8 guy

Howbout a pic of the starter?

Starter looks fine...

I went ahead and bought the $49 rebuilt from the FLAPS - new one is orders of magnitude quieter.. I really think the bushings must be bad. There is some play even with the drive gear in, so it probably comes out crooked and chewed it.

Cheap rebuild (OK, repaint) means you're gonna get good at changing them. The Cap'n