No start > grinding noise

[dlphnfn]

I've had an issue with starting my car occasionally for quite a few years. You can tell it's high on my priority list! :crazy:
Sometimes, I mean very rarely, it won't start on the first try. I can turn the car off, run into a gas station, grab a Monster, come back out, and it makes this God awful grinding/spinning sound. I look around seeing if anyone heard my car making that hideous noise, then try again. It almost always works fine on the second try.
I've also had it happen after letting it sit all night, so it doesn't seem to be an operating temp related issue.
My problem is that I'm never ready for it, so I can't get it on my phone. And I always, just try to start it again and it works.
Anyone else know what I'm talking about or how to solve it? I have new battery and cables. Nothing is left running to drain it or anything like that.
Erick --

 

[B3NN3TT]

You need a new starter NOW.

Every time that happens, you risk damage to your flywheel/flexplate - which costs A FORTUNE to replace, unlike the starter, which is VERY cheap by comparison.

Stop driving it until you get that fixed.

 

[svttour]

Correct starter doesnt fully enguage and grings against the flywheel.. happens to me on occasion aswell on random cars.

 

[dlphnfn]

10-4! New starter it is.

So after looking into this more, since it's not engaging enough, wouldn't just taking it off and putting it back on be the same as buying a new one? What am I doing differently by buying a new one? Mine works fine, right? It's just the engagement that's whack?
Erick --

 

[dennyb]

But yours is broken. The solenoid isn't getting the gear on the starter properly out when you crank it or, the gear is worn out. Replacing it is what you do to fix.

 

[dlphnfn]

OK. Shows my limited understanding of starters, I suppose... New starter it is.
Erick --