[petro909]

On New Year's Day I went out in the foz. -20ish degrees celsius
It was in the garage, started fine and I drove to my destination an parked outside for 6ish hours

When I went to leave it turned over but wouldn't start, finally started and died but only after the +20th turn over. It was flooded and after it died it started right up with me on the gas a little.

Tonight same scenario but after only 3hrs outside the foz would not start.
All the lights are bright on the dash and the battery is new so that can't be it
Unlike the other day I couldn't get it started tonight, I cranked on it for so long before I had to give up and go back inside my parents house

I've read about greasing the starter, is that my next option?
It's my wife's car so I don't want this to happen to her when I'm not around

Tonight we had to leave the foz at my parents and took their BMW home

Any ideas welcome
Thanks

 

[xtal]

Replace your ground cable, starter supply cable, and starter/solenoid assembly.

I chased an identical type problem; the cause ended up being a flakey ground that put additional stress on the starter, burning it up. Replacing the cables only fixed it for awhile, but the damage was done.

Our 98 now starts instantly, even in the -20 weather.

It is about a 1-2 hour job going slow and costs about $160 after core for the starter, and maybe $20-30 for ground cables. It's not worth rebuilding the assembly. Get a new warrantied one. I used universal 2 gauge cables from Walmart.