Mine does this only when real y cold out, starter spins but Bendix does not throw the gear to crank engine, usually works on second try, sounds like what you are discribing

 

You said new battery? Double check all your connections, especially going to the starter. Sometimes it's the simple things.

 

Yeah, don't drop coin on a new starter until you make sure your connections are good and the battery is fully charged. Depending on the battery and how long it was on the shelf, it could have been near death (as in discharged) when you installed it.

If you do get a starter, I highly recommend a Denso gear reduction starter from British Starters.

 

I hear if the battery cables are slightly corroded it affects the proformance. So I will try to clean those and check connections. Thanks guys.

 

Sounds like it's spinning up but not engaging the flywheel. Since the starter is coming out anyway, before you drop coin take a look at the throwout gear assembly and see if it is filled up with grease and road crud that has turned into a solid mass now that it's getting cold up there. Had this happen on another vehicle and a good spraying with brake cleaner got a few years more life out of the starter.

 

I can't get the heat shield all the way off. Doesn't it just clip off. I don't think I can find all the bolts. Is it as simple bolt on bolt off ?

 

unbolt what you can and bend it out of the way it is a pita