1989 YR22 EFI Tarago never starts first time, but always starts second time

[Toyotas since 1975]

Hi  everyone. I've got a 1989 YR22 Toyota Tarago with 4YEC 2200cc EFI engine (ie, with computer and fuel injection) that has a really wierd problem. For many years now it's been hard to start, and I've never gotten to the bottom of why. It's harder to  start in winter than in summer. I've recently discovered that if I engage the starter for just a second or two in my first attempt to start it, then let the starter motor spin down to stop, then try again to start it, it always starts immediately. But it almost never starts first time; only second time.
Anybody got any thoughts what the problem might be?

Feel free to get technical - I used to be a motor mechanic and I've owned this car since new.

 

[Fgdw]

Hi Malcolm, you mention 'let the starter motor spin down', does it sound as though it is not engaging and then next try it does engage. If that is the case then it sounds like the starter gear isn't doing its job of 'throwing out on the shaft' initially.