starter failing?

[PoppaRob]

I am not a mechanic, and am taking a guess that my starter is failing. I have a Massey Fergusson gc2310 (sub compact) that occasionally when i turn the key it sounds like it's gonna start but then i get a sigh (like air escaping) and a click and it stops. turning the key again 90% of the time it will start. is this a sign of the start failing or is there something else i should try first?
Thanks!

 

[Roadworthy]

It may be a sign of starter failure. It's possible it's not spinning up fast enough or with enough force to engage the pinion with the flywheel. You could also have a Bendix problem but generally the starter and Bendix come as a unit when you buy a starter. I'd start by being sure of the battery condition then clean and tighten the terminals as well as the battery's frame ground. If power to the starter is marginal that can seem like a weak starter.

 

[PoppaRob]

OK, Thank you for that. Battery and connections first, starter second and whatever a bendix is, third.

 

[bearthebruce]

Bendix is the gear head on the starter.