venture hard to start

[louace2]

My 99 venture won't start right away. I have to turn the key a few times. The engine seems like it's turning. At times you'll hear the starter clashing, i assume w/ the flywheel. Most of the time it just sounds as if the stater is free spinning. It does eventually start up but never at first try. There is fuel at the inlet fuel line. can it be a bad starter?