Scraping noise on startup?

[Kojiro]

So i just moved a few months ago, and drove my '98 986 the entire 13 hour trip up to my new home. Was a great ride, except for the ignition switch issues I had the exact night before I left. That got me maniacally fiddling with it the night before, but I fixed it, no biggie. However, for quite a while now I have been hearing a scraping noise on startup, sounds kind of like an empty tin can being scraped across the ground or something... It's hard to describe any better way, and it's nearly impossible to get a recording of it (I've tried, many times) since it only happens on some start-ups. No CEL's no erratic engine behaviour, everything else seems fine, but it sure is embarassing when people hear it start up and then make the noise. Any ideas of what this could be? Also, if I do manage to capture a recording of it, I will post it.

[RFM]

I suspect something with the startmotor gear and/or starting ring gear on the flywheel, maybe due to damage from the defective ignition switch.

[JFP in PA]

Most likely a sticking Bendix drive on the front of the starter; a common problem on these cars. An easy fix, pull the starter and clean the drive with a good penetrating oil, wipe off and then spray with DuPont Dry Teflon spray lubricant; starter will work for years without issue…………

[Kojiro]

Turns out it was related to the switch! I replaced the ignition switch completely, before trying to get to the starter, and it stopped happening. It seems that the ignition switch controls the bendix and starter operation seperately, and it was leaving the bendix out even though the starter operation was working just fine (or something like that.) After replacing the ignition switch though, it hasn't happened again! Still thank you everyone for the replies.