Jimmy not starting, starter spins but no cranking

[kirrer]

First off, this is a 1993 GMC Jimmy 4.3L

When I go to start, I gotta try it a few times. The first couple times, the starter just spins really fast and doesn't engage the engine. The engine doesn't crank, and I gotta shut it off and try again.

Is this the starter? Is it a common problem? Or is it the flywheel? I only ask about the flywheel because my brother's old dakota broke a few teeth off the flywheel, and to get it started would require turning the engine over by hand (with the fan blade or belt), and trying again. However, I just had to cycle the key off, turn it on and start again. I've never had a starter go on me (knock on wood), so I don't know if this is a starter problem or not.

BTW, I just got the car today.

[airforceone]

My 1992 has done that in that past, but in extreme cold temperatures and it would engage the engine on the next crank. It could be a flywheel issue; does it make any other noises when cranking?

[Brokebyford]

The starter is prob bad.The starter gear is spinning but it is not coming out to engage the flywheel.If you were misinng some flywheel teeth it will usually grind but not catch.If you have someone hit the starter with a metal bar while you are turning over the car it might catch.You need to change it out before you get stuck somewhere.If you want to check if it is the flywheel you can put a breaker bar on the crank shaft to rotate it and turn the fly wheel.Dont try to turn the flywheel with the fan pulley always use the crank pulley.

[mjohn]

does not sound like a flywheel problem to me either...Can you remove the starter and bring it in to be tested.?