In news:Z_b0i.8263$HR1.3032@trnddc01,
JimC <res8rwal@verizon.net> wrote:

> Okay...the solenoid....and starter cable connections. I should have
> known to check these -- my pappy taught me better than that.

There's a small copper contact plate in the solenoid/starter assembly that
gets corroded after some time, and will produce exactly the symptoms you
describe -- intermittent cranking ability. I suffered through the problem
last winter thinking the clutch engage switch was faulty.

I took it to a mechanic who quickly remedied the problem by replacing the
copper contact plate in the starter/solenoid assembly and have had no
problems since.