Do i have a bad starter or is it something else? Grinding noise when starting cold.

Now when i start my truck i hear what sounds like a metallic clunking and grinding noise. What is strange is that this only happens after the truck has been sitting for some time. The batteries have full power. I turn the key and hear the noise, i also see the dashboard lights flicker off while the starter is engaging(?). However if i turn on my APU and try a few more times or hit it with some ether, it will eventually start. Once started and warmed up and i turn the truck off it starts every time. Soooo does this indicate a bad starter relay, a bad starter silinoid, a teeth missing from the flywheel, ground off teeth missing from the start, a loose wire connection on the starter itself, need for shimming or re-positioning of the starter. The truck is a C10 Cat motor 2002 freightliner.

 

again its a loud clunking or grinding noise by the starter when turn the key as the dash lights all flicker on and off.

 

"Is the dash drop out while cranking new?" YES well both problems are new. dash while cranking and grinding. What i seem a bit perplexed by is why does it start fine all the times immediately after having I finally do manage to get it started. To me i am not sure if that is a grounding or electrical issue...or is it?

 

so what is your recommendation John A? Check connections ON the starter? At the battery? Or just yank out and replace the starter? Also my motor leaks oil so it splattered all over the starter. had a missing bolt at one time and oil and water got inside the bendix as well i assume. Just want to narrow problem down to REPLACE the starter, or a grounding issue. (or starter relay silinoid?)

 

removed old starter, was missing a bolt on top... Replaced bolt and replaced starter with a high torque light weight starter. Starts like a champ now, grinding noise is gone. Only tested twice. Did not see damage to flyweel (but only saw a few teeth) Job sucked, dirty, cold but i've repaired worse