Cranking Time?
 

Starting cold, my aircraft can take a bit of time to fire up. Reading the operating manual, it states a mx of 30 seconds on the starter, then leave it to cool for a few minutes to avoid overheating.

I find this an awful long time and can't imagine it doign the engine much good. I think the longest time I give it is about 10 seconds. Intrigued as to others thoughts on this?

30 secs is what most POH's say or thereabouts.But your right it feels a hell of a time if you have to do it.

Consider a Skytech light weight high speed starter and Bogert copper cable kit, both available from Spruce and others.

Made a world of difference to mine. Dont forget you need to prime more in cold w/x

HV - what engine is it?