Starter problem F355

You're probably right. I assume the battery is ok, because it does eventually crank (and start?). I also assume the power/earth connections are ok because of the same reason.

Of course, it won't hurt to check all the connections for security, including the nuts on the battery bus bar (behind the cover with the red "+" on it in the engine bay, rhs).... with the battery cutout in cutout of course. Sometimes people forget to tighten these after a major. Also make sure the pins/sockets are clean on the 12 pin waterproof connector behind the left hand strut. The ignition key start power runs through this plug (although faults with this plug are much more likely on a F348). The ignition key start power also goes through passenger footwell fuse panel.. but we don't want to go there just yet. It's a 2.7 car, so there are no start relays involved.

Sometimes for testing, folks use a remote starter switch which you can run power from the battery bus bar directly to the solenoid (make sure the car is out of gear of course). Available on eBay or at your local Automotive shop

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/toolpro-toolpro-remote-starter-switch/543243.html

 

Sure sounds like bad starter. This used to happen on Amerian cars all the time back in the day. We would smack it with a hammer and then it worked. The issue was the pinion was not enaging due to internal sticking. That sounds like your issue. You can remove and rebuild them, there is a document step by step rebuild on them, I can check when I get home for it.

Hippies with vans had this issue all the time is where I saw it until my Camaro developed it too. We all used to drive with hammers in the trunk.

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Starter relay mod may help. I would try this myself. Cured many a starter problem like this. Including mine.
Thats unless you find something obvious.

 

The starter relay helps when you have the issue when hot. If it happens when cold it may not be that. Perhaps worth a shot. There are a few threads on the relay mod some are more complicated some are straight forward. Here is a good one for reference in the event you want to do it, it costs very little and takes little time as well.

Good luck!
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160866&highlight=348

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Sounds more like the solenoid failing to respond to me. And it will get worse.
My experience is it happens when the engine is hot and after a while (20 min) it will work again. Usually.
There have been a number of threads on the proper kit to buy (Watch the plunger length) and about lining up the contacts.
I know I've done the rebuild a couple of times but not since I aligned the contacts properly and with care.
The kit I used is on amazon

 

That did not fix mine, I thought it did and it seemed to improve but my guess it’s the starter. Especially if the starter is original.
Mine was original and I replaced it after 17 years in the car.

 

Dang, wish you would have told me. I have two extra solenoid rebuild kits sitting here. You could have had one for free.

My issue ended up being a small break in the solenoid winding.
Hit the start and nothing happened.
Hold the start and it would, sometimes, engage.
Colder it was the more pronounced the issue.

Rebuilt it all and same issue.
Local motor repair shop bench tested it and it always worked.

Finally just swapped in a new one and all is good.

PS: The Denso solenoid repair kit is a $10 item at your local CO-OP.

 

Ahh I found the overview if it helps you any.

 

I noticed that (so-called) Denso repair kit prices vary dramatically from $10 to over $100. Some kits include the solenoid itself, but they can come in different lengths and power ratings.

I see "repairkitsuk" show some of the different types:

http://www.repairkitsuk.com/4.html

You'd need to be sure of the part number of your starter.