When ever its cold at night (20F ish) I cycle my glow plugs twice for good luck, and turn the key. Almost every time, the first start just spins the starter without engaging the flywheel. It sounds like it tries, and makes a quick grind sound, but never engages on the first try. Second try, it works every time. What gives? Batteries, alternator, and the solenoid on the starter were all replaced in the last year....as well as the lug connecting the 0/0 red wire to the starter.

It's been doing this for a long time, even before I replaced everything mentioned above. I've been hoping I don't need to replace the starter itself, because like I said it works 99% of the time and only does this on the really cold starts.

Next cold day I'll shoot a video and post it up.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

Sure sounds like the Bendix (or starter drive) on the starter is sticking...You can replace or clean/rebuild the Bendix drive. I haven't had this happen on my truck, but the symptoms are very similar to what I have experienced on other vehicles. I would fix the problem asap though...it can lead to damaged flywheel teeth.