starter disengages early on cold starts

most of the times when i crank my 91 mustang 2.3 in the mornings, I hear the starter disengage early from the flywheel and just spin. sometimes it takes me 2-3 tries to get the car started.

this happens when the car is cold or has been sitting for more than 4-5 hours.

when its warmed it starts up fine.

thanks.

sound like the spring on the end of the bendix is worn out. Probably the only way to fix it is replace the starter.

Dr.

so i should i replace the starter?

Haha, mine just started doing the same thing...it always hits on the second try though.

I plan to remove mine and see what's causing the problem and replace that part (cheaper that way).

stinger,


let me know if you find the problem. I don't want to replace the starter and then later find out its the starter solenoid or vice-versa.

thanks

Well, it's not the starter solenoid...I can tell you that.

I can't promise I'll get to it anytime soon...I only start it "cold" once a day.