[lou8700]

Sounds more like the starter to me. Relays can't make whining noises but starters that are rusted inside with bad bearings can. I would load test battery.

 

[lou8700]

Yea I'm thinking that way. So I'm looking into a new starter. Seems to be a lot of choices. But which one will last is always the question. Not sure I can do it myself too. Bummer...

The one way sprag clutch is separate from the starter. If the sprag is bad the starter will just spin and the engine won't turn over. Is the whining noise you have the starter just spinning and not turning the engine over or is it while turning the engine over?

 

[lou8700]

https://www.thevog.net/threads/sprag-aka-starter-drive-clutch-replacement.156775/

 

[lou8700]

Sure sounds like the battery to me. Can you jump it with a car without it's engine running? Careful not to blow the starter sprag by hitting the starter button rapidly.

 

[lou8700]

Was that at me or the OP?

For the OP.