This has started happening the past couple of weeks, more so when it is cold out and the truck has been sitting a while. By cold I mean -5* to 15*.

After letting the glow plugs warm and turning the engine over, you can hear a grinding sound. I always stop the cranking, turn the key off, and try it again. Will always start normally this time. I haven't noticed it happening with a warm engine.

Is my starter going bad?

 

That would be my guess, or possibly the mounting bolts have worked loose and the bendix drive is not engaging "square"

 

yep, check the bolts first

 

X3 on those bolts. And if you do need a new starter, save yourself some time and trouble and get yours rebuilt by someone good, or buy a new OEM and later get yours rebuilt for a spare.

 

X4. Check the bolts first, but my starter did a similar grind a few years ago. Had it rebuilt.

 

Since nobody has mentioned it yet, check the bolts. They've been known to loosen causing problems.

Stewart

 

Oh your a funny man Stewart. But what about the bolts. I wonder how long we could keep this going? But to the OP, seriously, we hope you get it sorted out.