I got 11.92 volts at the ignition wire with key turned. 12.45 volts at the power terminal on the starter constant. Brought the starter back and got one that is supposedly "brand new". Too dark now to put it on, but will let you know if this does it. Thanks again for the replies.

 

Voltages are in spec. Gotta be a bad starter, or bad ground.....

 

Slapped the "brand new" starter on this morning. Fired up first try!. And eight or ten more times after that. Fingers crossed problem solved. will keep you all posted.

 

I hope you finally got a good one.

 

Fifth time is the charm????? Seriously? That really doesn't say much about the quality of the 'rebuilt' starters.......

 

Did advanced bench check the starters before you took them? I know back in the day the real auto parts stores used to this.

 

Advance Auto stores in this area used to have that capability and equipment (if you request it of them), but t'm not sure if they are keeping that capability and equipment around, now that they seem to be opening stores on every corner these days in this area.

 

I'm on my third starter of LITERALLY THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. Truck is a 1995 2500 with a 5.9. It started once the weather has really gotten cold, starter free spins on the first try but second time goes right up, I've also been replacing my starter with "remanufactured" starters, as this is all that advance auto parts has, they're carquest starters also by the way. I haven't gotten around to checking voltages, but my power wire doesn't look too good. I'm thinking its adding some unwanted resistance and maybe not giving my starter the right voltage, but once i give it a second try, its fine.

 

See if they can order one for you. Seems they got a bad batch, or something.

 

Or go to another parts store! I got mine from pep boys and it worked perfect.