Electrical: Is it live, or is it Memorex?

[Hawklover]

Recent events.............while starting car a grinding noise was heard......car starts.............then a few times hit the ign key..........then nothing.........do this again.........car turns over, albeit with grinding sound...........car sits for seven days...............try to start car today..........hit key cranks over four times..........with grinding sound.........then nothing...........attempt to start again..........now only single clicking sound coming from the starter solenoid........that is it.............

So before I tare into things..........should I assume its the solenoid or the starter?

The shaft that the Bendix rides on...........can the lack of grease on the shaft couse this grinding problem.......?

[Alan]

First thing I would do is test the battery. Then do a voltage drop test on every connection down to the starter.

[Hawklover]

But this does not speak to the grinding noise?

Also battery is brand new....880 CCA.

[Alan]

The grinding noise can be caused by many things, including rats nests, mud dauber wasps and bad Bendix or ring gear problems.