I think my starter is going bad, Need opinions Options

[KELTY360]

Lately I've been getting a whirring metallic sound when I turn the ignition key. I switch it off, then try again and it starts right up. This doesn't seem to happen when the engine is cold - then it starts on the first turn. When I've been driving and then make a short stopover is when it seems to occur. The wiring at the starter and solenoid seems tight and solid; likewise the ground strap from the tranny to the body.

Also, I started to take the starter out, but after loosening the top bolt (in the engine compartment) it doesn't want to come all the way out. Is this a two man job with someone underneath to hold the nut from moving?

It's a '74 2.0 FI

[Greenguy]

I’ve got a similar problem, when the car is driven for a long period of time (2 to 3 hrs), and stopped for a short period of time, it will not start. Turn the key and nothing. The first time that it happened I replaced the starter. On the next long trip same problem; push started the car to drive home then proceeded to let the car set for a few days because I thought I had gone through another starter. Two days later I was getting ready to replace the starter when I thought I would just give it a try….the car started fine. I had no problems with starting the car for about a year (roughly 6000 miles), but also did not go on any long drives. A year later went on another 3 hr drive, took a 15 min rest, then jumped in to re-start, nothing. This time I set the brake, put the car in neutral and crawled underneath with a screwdriver to arc across the starter terminals. The starter made a god awful grinding noise and I was convinced that the starter was shot, so I push started, drove home, and let set for a couple days. Two days later the car started normally and has done so ever since (about a year again), but again no long drives. To this point I have replaced a starter, bench checked the new starter, used Haynes and various tech bulletins to trouble shoot the starting system and everything checks out, no problems that I can find or think of. If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance,

Greg