i brought this up a couple weeks ago when i was having a mysterious no-start that i never did figure out. It has since happened a few more times, but so far i have always got it started eventually and it runs fine. But the first time i really thought (and still think) it was the IP so before pulling it i decided to give it one quick shot of starting fluid (disconnected the glow plugs first) and the first thing i noticed is it made a different sound while cranking and then it started.
since then, every time i crank it the starter sounds different - i don't really know of any other way to explain it, other than it has a lower-pitched, kind of grind sound to it. But it works just fine, and i pulled the inspection cover and could not see any damage.
any idea what happened? the only thing i could think of is that while it was cranking and the starting fluid shot it the engine rmp's increased so it was going faster than the starter for a second - and that was exactly when the sound changed.
I don't really care as long as it works, but i am just curious. I only paid $100 for that starter, new, and i have two used ones that work on the shelf. I guess i just want to know if that starter will fail sooner than i think so i can keep an extra one on board for the next trip.
thanks,
paul

start fluid can cause the engine to stop momentairely dead in its tracks while cranking due to firing before TDC.engine wants to turn backwards but starter has other plans. resulting in to much strain on the starter and components. your starter drive could be slipping,starter nose cone is cracked,gear teeth could be damaged or a starter mounting bolt broke off.