Cold engine...........cranks fine and starts within a few spins.

Warm engine...........cranks, slows down, cranks again and starts!

Ignition key is not released from the start position until engine start.

So starter motor on the way out or the ignition switch or a combo of both or the engine's going into partial seizure.

There's always something!.............any history with anyone?

 

You have an AT. When was the last time you checked the flexplate?

 

I was concerned about that too.

Its on my 'to do' list when I change the cats out for the new Motorsport X and O2 sensor.

The car is parked until the pipe arrives and I get under it for the surgery.

 

It could just be a tired starter/solenoid. But... check that plate when it's on the operating table.

Good luck.

 

My starter works FINE.

-He of the beard, Jim Bailey, sent me a used starter about two years ago. I still have the rebuild in my parts bin-I'll do it eventually. 928 Intl's part was completely suspect, since it was a used part of a car. I suggest you take a starter from them- they know what they are doing.
N!

 

I loosened the drive shaft pinch bolt when I removed the cats............the flex plate moved 1/8th inch; 3.2mm.

I believe I had a narrow escape.............if you haven't checked yours perhaps you should!!!

 

Malcolm,
So your crank was out for a 'walk' was it? Scary stuff, ain't it....
That should be a annual check -at the minumim-.
FWIW
This past summer Zack couldn't start his 81' at work. This is when he let me know it was doing a 'slow' start for about a week and it had been getting worse.
So much for timely info.
Anyhow, battery was good so when I shimmied under to check the leads I found both solonoid bolts loose, with one about to fall out, didn't look loose till Zack kicked' the starter and I could see the kickback. Torqued it down and has been fine since.
You should be so lucky.
Good luck on something simple and cheap.

 

The question is though: did releasing the pinch bolts cure your starting problem??

 

Well yes and no. The starting issue pales in to insignificance in comparision with the possibility that it might have never started again.

 

Paul? Malcom? I thought Malcom had the starting problem?

I'm wonder because... if releasing the pinch bolts 'cured' the starting problem then maybe the thrust bearing is already gone or translucently thin.