testing the starter?

[boosted-dsm]

is there a way to test the starter to see if its going out or bad?

my car everyday takes longer n longer to fire up. like it cranks over for awhile then it will fire up. like 1 long crank or 2 short ones. im thinking its the starter because i have a new alternator on it. and the car drives good once its running.

if you think it could be anything else. please let me know.

 

[blackbyrd]

If your startor takes a while to crank, make sure your battery is fully charged, and all the connections/terminals are tight.
To test the startor:
Run the car until it reaches normal operating temp, then disconnect the primary wires from the coil pack. Crank the engine and take voltmeter readings as soon as a steady figure is indicated. Do not allow the starter motor to turn for more then 10 seconds at a time.
A reading of 9-volts or more, with the starter motor turning at normal cranking speed, is normal.
If the reading is 9-volts or more but the cranking speed is slow, the motor is faulty.
If the reading is less then 9-volts and the cranking speed is s low, the solenoid contacts are probably burned