Occasionally starter will turn engine over very slowly. Dying starter motor?

Question

Car is a '93 Mk1 Gold Cabriolet.

I have this problem where the starter motor will sound like its struggling to turn the engine over. It sounds very much like a dead or dying battery but this is not the case - battery seems fine and alternator is giving it enough juice.

The odd thing is this happens very sporadically. The car can start fine, be driven to work, then have this issue starting in the afternoon, be driven again for 5 mins, then start again fine. I would say 1 in 30 starts has this problem.

Each time, so far, I've been able to get the car going by cranking it (slowly) until the engine catches.

The car behaves normally otherwise.

Is this the symptoms of a dying starter motor?

Bob S. · Accepted Answer

With these problems always start by taking the battery back to where you bought it and have it tested. Before reinstalling the battery go down to the starter tighten the electrical connections and starter mounting bolts. A previous responder alluded to the fact that poor connections tend to get hot when large currents flow thru them. A new starter will spin the motor faster using less current saving wear and tear on the alternator.

Correct answer by Bob S. on March 10, 2021

atlan tico · Answer

A new starter will spin the motor faster using less current saving wear and tear on the alternator.
Alternator isn't working till the engine is up and running. It is the battery which powers the starter motor, so no wear and tear on the alternator

Occasionally starter will turn engine over very slowly. Dying starter motor?

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