I have been having intermittent problems with my car starting. Whenever it does happen the starter will make this big loud thud/ clunk sound like if it hit something.I've recently replaced the trigger wire to the starter to see if that was it but it did nothing. Could it be the actual starter itself? Are these symptons of a starter going bad or could it be something else?

 

might want to pull the inspection plate (auto or M6) and look for any broken tooth on FW/flexplate. you will have to rotate engine by hand to see all of it. looking at the starter teeth also

starters, like any other car part, do wear out.

If you have a higher compression than stock rebuild many go with the "corvette" starter which is a gear reduction one and deals with higher compression better. ironically it is cheaper than OEM replacement at Autozone.

also good battery cables. if yours are original check out www.innovativewiring.com , Gary makes some VERY good stuff

I have his cables

 

I will check those things then, really appreciate the information.

 

I bought some of innovative's wires, a little pricey but really damn good too.

You will need to check the alignment of the starter, sometimes a bolt might loosen up. If you take out the bolts make sure they have knurled sides to take up any slack in the starter mounting.

 

Pull plugs and make sure you don't have water in cylinders.

 

Could it still have water in cylinders even though it's been turning on good for the past three days?

 

shownomercy is suggesting to confirm you don't have water/coolant in your cylinders which will hydro lock the motor. A preliminary sign can be starter not wanting to turn.....although I doubt this is your issue it would not hurt to pull a few plugs out just to confirm

are you loosing coolant?