F25 Yamaha Starter Problem?

My Electric start 25hp Four Stroke Yamaha was running great. I used it all day which included several start ups and shut downs with no problems. Then I tried to start it the last time and I got a terrible Grinding or "growling sound". I let off the starter button right away and got back to the boat ramp using my *****ing motor. I tried a couple of times more... just bumping the starter... same grinding sound. I took the cover off and put some water to the lower unit (boat out of water) and decided to see if it would start if I depressed the button a little longer. It started fine even with the loud grinding sound from the starter. Did something happen to my starter to cause this sound? Any ideas?... replacement?

2nd look...

I looked at the starter again and the starter gear is engaged (up) with the flywheel. Shouldnt it be in the disengaged postion (down)? I think this is what is causing the grinding sound when I hit the starter switch. What could be causing the gear to be in the engaged position?

It wont go back down.

[jb123]

turn flywheel by hand and pry down with screwdriver, THEN lube.