I've never had one fail on me before. What I have read indicates it either works or not (broken spring...then just spins).

But recently, sometimes when I go to start a cold engine, it cranks for awhile, and then just about the time it would normally catch, the motor stops cranking & I hear the starter spinning free. After a couple-three attempts, it starts normally. Once the engine is warm, it always catches instantly, so no worries there. Anyone had this symptom before (with a starter bendix?), and if so, how long do I likely have before it quits working completely and strands me? I have a spare NOS bendix put away, but since I plan to pull the engine this winter anyway (hopefully), I would hate to have to change the starter now if it will keep on working intermittently for some time yet.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA