Ok, when I turn ignition to start: it hits, pauses for 1/2" sand then begins to go into crank mode. When it starts to turn over, the 1st little bit seems like too much compression. Only had this happened with cold motor, and doesn't happen all the time. Had btw

I hit wrong button... Since this began, i have replaced starter and the cam/crank sensor. Still does the same.

Thanks!

Sounds like a weak battery, bad connection at battery terminals, bad starter wires (the big ones), or a combination of these.

I have a 1997 Chevy Silverado 5.7 that does something similar to that. The 2 positive battery cables have to "mesh" together then tightened.

Thanks, and sorry for the delay getting back. I checked my battery, and it is jamb up. My wire combination is the same (I have a dual post battery bc have a positive wire that runs directly to fuse bank). Maybe my terminals (though I thought I checked them when took off to replace starter) need attention or bad connection elsewhere like CC said?

I am really picky when it comes to clean & tight connections.
Emory cloth used to clean all terminals.
Even nylock nuts with a sealed AGM powerful battery. AGM will not offer corrosion to terminals.
Having a battery load test done offers confidence to ensure the cranking amps are truly up to speed.

I Beefed up grounds & replaced any questionable wires.

This is "good" right?

How was it tested?

How many volts does it show normally and during start?

How old is it?

I've even seen them corrode inside the insulator halfway down the wire. The only external sign is that the wire is really easy to flex there. That was on older cars but still a possibility.

How long has this been happening, and is it using any fluids such as coolant and oil?

Sorry for not responding before now! I have been super busy. Thanks for all the advice. Strangely, last Sat there was no hesitation; but since then it is worse - however, I haven't crabked it as frequently. I am going to check cable connections and try another battery I have (I will do that 1st to isolate the 2).

Thanks again!

Ok, I know it has been quite some time since my last post, but I have been swamped with work! So, talking my mechanic one day I was telling him about my dilemma and he suggested maybe the distributor: says he has put a lot of them in that engine. Matter of fact went to crank it up that moment to try and replicate, and it took forever to crank. After about a month more of this, I had him install a new distributor...so far, it works perfectly!

Thanks again for all of your help!