Slow crank, no start.

[ohno06gt]

Tried to start my car this morning, it cranked a few times then I heard a whining sound for a split second.  Now it's cranking really slow and won't start.  Battery voltage is good and not throwing any CEL's.  It was -20 degrees outside this morning.

Any ideas?  Possibly starter?  My neighbor said it probably jumped timing but I don't see how that could happen just starting it.  Any input will be appreciated.

[seanyb505]

Age of starter? Whining sounds like it wasn't engaging, and the slowness could be cause it's just that sticky in -20. 

[ohno06gt]

Starter is most likely original from what I can tell.  Yesterday it was in the mid 40's so I tried to jumpstart it and got the same results.  

Tried to do a voltage drop test on the starter but not sure if I did it correctly.  I had a probe on the wire going to solenoid and the other probe grounded.  When first cranking it read around 8v but dropped to 6.5v as cranking slowed down.

[silverton]

8v while cranking isn't good, you likely need a battery and an alternator

[Pleides]

My starter isn't original and my car hasn't even seen weather as cold as yours. Definitely not a bad idea to replace the battery and see if that starter comes to life after 5 seconds of cranking or so. If not then don't drain the new battery and go out and get a new starter. Might also be worth giving the starter a tap.