difficult time turning engine over on start up
I have a 71E. Recently the starter seemed to be dragging. I would turn the key, the engine would turn then it would kind of drag, stop then turn over again. OK, I thought starter is going. I replaced the starter, and same issue. OK I thought batteries are going, I replaced both batteries, and I still have the same behavior. I now think bad ground. I replace the ground strap from transmission to chassis. Still have the same behavior. So now I am thinking, not an easy fix and I a, going to see if anyone has any ideas.
The car does eventually start. Mainly because of my OCD, and when it runs, it runs great. Or at least it runs as it always has. Idle is smooth, and throttle response is great. The problem is only when I have to spin the engine with the starter motor.
I am wondering if I have some binding in the engine, or high compression. I can hear something akin to exhaling when I let of the dragging starter. Also the new motor now will just click and not turn at all sometimes.
Any ideas, and any suggestions on what I can look at to help figure this issue out… Thanks