I'm starting to wonder if this may have the crank sensor problem. With low battery problem and possible crank sensor issue, it could cause the engine to kick back and possibly damage the starter. Some of them could even cause a backfire that blows the intake gasket out. I'd replace the crank sensor just as a precautionary decision.
There is a TSB on this:
Bulletin No.: 00-06-04-014
Date: April, 2000
TECHNICAL
Subject: No, Hard, or Slow Start, Backfire or "Kickback" DuringCrank/Start, "Grinding" or Unusual Noises During Crank, DTC P0338(Replace Crankshaft Position Sensor)
Models: 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade
1995-2000 Chevrolet and GMC SIT Models
1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K, M/L, G, P Models
1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
with 4.3 L, 5.0 L, 5.7 L or 7.4 L Engine(VINs W, X, M, R, J RPOs L35, LF6, L30, L31, L29)
Condition:
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions:
^ Backfire during crank/start
^ "Kickback" during crank/start
^ "No" start
^ "Slow" or "hard" start/crank
^ "Grinding" or unusual noises during crank/start
^ Cracked or broken engine block at the starter boss
^ Broken starter drive housing
^ Broken starter ring gear on flywheel
^ Any combination of the above
Cause:
A condition may exist that allows the crankshaft position sensor to command up to 50 extra degrees of spark advance during engine cranking only. This in turn exposes the engine to higher than normal cylinder pressures which may result in an inoperative condition to the starter drive housing, the engine flywheel starter ring gear, or the engine block at the outside edge of the starter boss.
Correction:
Inspect for a stored powertrain DTC code P0338. This DTC will NOT illuminate the "Service Engine Soon" light. If this code is stored, the Crankshaft Position Sensor, P/N 10456607, MUST be replaced and the remaining components inspected for damage (engine block at the starter boss, the starter drive housing, and the engine flywheel starter ring gear).
