This just started intermittently and has slowly gotten worse.

When I turn the key to start the engine, there’s a light rumbling/grinding sound coming from the firewall/dash area. The starter hesitates and strains, then starts the engine like normal. When I say it hesitates, it seems like either the battery is too low or the engine is seized up. The engine is fine and runs flawlessly once it’s started. The battery is only a year old and none of the electrical accessories show any sign of a bad battery. It tests at proper voltages when running and not running. Battery cables and connections are in great shape. Some days it starts perfectly normal.

Today the problem is worse. All the same symptoms, except that now I stop cranking when that noise starts. I let off the key but it’s still cranking the starter on it’s own, even with the key backed off from the starting position. After about 2 seconds of this, it starts.

Tomorrow I’m going to have someone crank it while I check around the engine, just looking for a starting point (pun intended) if someone’s already had this issue. Any ideas?

 

Solved:

The starter motor housing itself was loose. When cranking, it would shake and try to spin. I tightened the motor housing bolts and it starts like a new starter now. I’m still going to replace it, this just buys me some time to source a quality one instead of a parts store unit. Never seen housing bolts back out like this.

 

Something to consider,
If you have a shop in your area that rebuilds starters and alternators, they can give you a good rebuild that will be guaranteed. Mass rebuilders will only replace worn parts and reuse what they can.
There is a good side to this, and that is, if any kind of problem you go straight to them and they know that.
Also you will save some $$$ that you can use for something else.

 

You make a very good point. I have not been able to find a new GM starter, even the dealership and GM parts sites only have rebuilt. There is a starter shop in my city, I’m going to check them out.

 

Rockauto has new starters including ACDELCO.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ter+motor,4152

 

I saw the new ACDELCO one, the only thing I didn't like was that it was the Gold level and not the OEM level. Every single part I have bought and installed so far has been the OEM level. I'm sure it's still way better than a reman so that's probably what I'll end up getting. As far as the other brands, I've never even heard of them and am still researching.

 

I believe that gold level is an upgrade to the OEM starter.

 

Gold is a tier below OEM, but probably still better than a reman.

https://www.acdelco.com/brand-details