Ford Repair: ignition, fuel pumps, familure

Question
I have a 1990 Ford F150, 4.9 litre that will not start.  I have checked the battery and replaced the solenoid.  When I turn the ignition switch there is a "whining" noise that times out in a couple of seconds.  The sound seems to be coming from somewhere near the steering column under the hood. I can not hear anything from inside the cab.  At one point the key was stuck and would not turn on or off.  The starter motor does not vibrate or make any sound when the key is turned.  Does this sound familure to you or should I pull the starter motor and have it checked before tearing into the steering column?

Answer
Do you hear the noise when turn the key to crank, or when you turn the key ON? I can think of nothing in the steering column that would make that kind of noise. I think the starter is on that side of the engine, tho, perhaps you are hearing the starter whine, which it will do if the gear is broken in the starter.

Some fuel pumps will whine at first for a few seconds when you turn the key ON, but usually cannot be heard when cranking.