Please can someone explain how a starter motor works.Is there a "clutch" how does it move into position.I occasionally get a grinding of teeth with the first start on a cold winter morning.Thanks
Arnold 90C2 139000kms

 

I think he way a Starter Motor works is that when you start it, a Solenoid is activated that throws across a drive gear which engages the flywheel, thus turning the engine over & starting the car. Once the engine is running, you turn the starter off, and the drive gear dis-engages.

When it's cold sometimes the solenoids can be a bit lazy, and either stick completely or perhaps in your case, don't engage the flywheel correctly & cause the grinding noise.

I'd have your starter motor serviced.