A guy I met has a '95 850 that is having a real hard time starting. When he turns the key it pings but the starter does not crank the car. He will try about 30 to 40 times before it will finally engage the starter and fire up. Once it starts he can drive all day long, untill he turns it back off, then the same thing all over again.

 

I dont understand what you mean by 'ping'. Does it mean the key chime?

 

sounds like a sticky starter.. Has he tried tapping on the starter while someone tries to start the car?

 

+1! More specifically sticky starter solenoid. Seriously, have him carry around a mallet or 2X4; next time it happens, smack the solenoid and starter.

 

If it's taking that much effort to get the starter to engage it's time to pull the starter and take it in to have it tested. I'd tend to think it's the solenoid not making proper contact but it could also be a "dead" spot on the commutator. If you keep hitting the key you hear the solenoid click but and the starter will move just a little from the EMF but not enough contact to spin. Each time you hit the key it advances just a tiny bit until it finally makes good contact and then spins normally. Soon ....... it's not going to spin at all.

 

Yes it was the starter. The thing was only about 8 months old. One of those local LIFETIME WARRANTY parts. Took it in there and they said it was good and would not exchange it. So he purchased a new one and he's good to go. Another $180 out the door.

@ BoxPin, the ping was coming from the front of the manifold area.