Need a Second Opinion (or more)

[lrg]

CAR: 1985 300TDT, 149,000 miles, California model, synthethic oil, old (7-8 years) but seemingly good battery

PROBLEM: When starting cold I get a fraction of a second hesitation after turning the key before the starter motor actually cranks. Doesn't usually happen when the car is hot. Delay is very short but a new thing for this car. It has always cranked up immediately until recently. The starter seems to turn the engine over normally once going without a noticable lugging or slowing. There is no "click" when I first turn the key, just silence then 1/2-1 second later the starter motor engages.

THEORY: The windings on my starter are getting old and it is having trouble turning over the engine when it is cold. This is the original starter so the timing of (sounds like) future failure seems about right. Alternatively, it may be that the grease in the bendix gear is old and dried out so it has trouble engaging except when it is hot.

QUESTIONS: Anyone experience this symptom before their starter motor failed? If so any idea how much time I have before it dies totally? (I'm not anxious to spend the $$ on a new starter until I have to) Could the battery really be the problem even though it appears to be still strong. Any and all opinions and/or experience with this is appreciated.

LRG