slow initial cranking over

[jimbob-mcgrew]

i need some wisdom and knowledge if anyone can help.
when i go to start my car, intially the starter turns over really slowly for a revolution or 3 and then spins up and the car starts. after a fair few starts the battery seems to die, seems like its taking alot of current from it.
any ideas on what the probs, i thought it could be the wiring for the starter or clapped out starter or battery. its a mk.6 escort by the way, not the nova. need to sell one of them end of the month.
cheers.

[meritlover]

i thought it could be the wiring for the starter or clapped out starter or battery..

;)

or a bad earth, commutator could be worn or dirty, or if its a pre engage starter, the contactor pins might be worn or burned out causing a high resistance and a voltage drop across them making the motor sluggish.
please