96 Cobra won't start... Is it my starter?

[TDUB003]

The Cobra has been parked for the winter in my garage since September. The battery and terminals were replaced in August and I had her on a battery tender the whole time. I checked my fluid levels and put fresh gas in before attempting to start her.

All of the lights come on inside and everything but when I try to start her the it literally sounds like hell, almost like a grinding noise. I hadn't had an issue with this previously so I'm not sure what the problem is. Also, the fuel pump is coming on so I don't believe that is an issue either. My guess is the starter but I wanted to make sure before I try to fix it.

 

[crazycarlo]

Yeah that sounds like a starter issue man. Try tapping it with a wrench to see if it will act normally then.

 

[myrsvt]

Could be sticky injector bleeding fuel past.
My dad's Lincoln's 4.6 was doing something similar.
Hold gas to floor and try to crank. If it starts with large amounts
of black smoke that's what it was.
We put injector cleaner in dad's and it was fine.

Also, load test your battery if you can to check for proper starting amps,
that could also be it.

 

[Expurple]

I'd say start by checking the leads.