Starter sometimes makes a hammering sound while cranking. I can see the fan turn slowly while this is happening. After several tries, it finally cranks normally and starts. Sometimes if I turn the key to START, then stab the clutch I have better luck.

Battery is good. I pulled the starter, applied jumper cables, and the bendix pops out fine, and the motor turns. I reinstalled it, making sure the connections are clean and tight, but same problem. Once the car's warmed up, it starts fine.

'88 N/A 5-sp.

 

Any ideas??

 

Check the teeth on the flywheel they could be in poor condition

But that doesn't explain when its warmed up, it works fine

it could be the actual bushings on the starter shaft are gone.
I think I had a similar prob like that once

 

The gears on the motor and flywheel look OK. I think I'll try extra ground straps on the engine and battery, maybe bypass the clutch switch, etc.