This happened to me before when I was living in Alaska. When the temp would drop to around 0 or below every once in a while I would turn it over and it would just spin but not crank. The bendix for some reason isn't catching the flywheel. I would let it spin down then try again and it would normally start. (sometimes it would take up to 5 times). Yesterday the temp dropped to below 0 and it happened again but started the second try, Well tonight it happened and I was stranded so I kept trying and it finally started after about 20 cranks. So I'm kind of stumped. Is the starter junk? I thought possibly flywheel, but it has never done it when it was warm out? Its only done it when it is really cold.

Any Ideas?? Thanks ahead of time?

 

Sounds, to me, like the helix and pinion gear are sticking and not sliding freely. Maybe the lubricant is getting too thick in the cold. If it was mine i would remove the starter, disassemble it and clean it all up and re-lube it. Im cheap like that. If it works then i just saved on the cost of a new starter.