Assuming that this noise is caused by sticking starter solenoid after cold soak, you may try to momentary blip the key into the start position and release it quickly (without actually letting starter to spin). In theory, the heat generated in the solenoid coil will warm up the gummy grease between the solenoid plunger and thin wall brass bushing and hopefully allow grinding free start after that (this will not work if starter grinds after EVERY start).
Please try it out and post the results!

 

Interesting. You have any luck thus far with this strategy?

 

On my car it happens only with temperature below upper 40s.
So this can only happen around December.
I'll probably install my replacement starter before this time

 

FYI: Been trying this and it doesn't seem to help, even if I blip it a few times before actually trying to start (I only get the grind after overnight cold soak).

 

Thanks for the feedback.
This probably rules out "sticking solenoid' and points to planetary gear issue/output shaft slop (worn bushing in the starter nose)

 

Sure thing, I figured you'd want to know how it worked out.

 

I've tried this, and it makes no difference.

 

If noise is present right after start, with key in start position, the worn or sticking overrunning clutch is a problem

 

Have you tried replacing just that part? It looks almost as expensive as a remanufactured starter.