You are the only one in a position to figure that out.

Next time it acts up, you need to see if there is any voltage at the starter positive terminal.  If the solenoid is acting up....there will not be any (or enough) voltage delivered to the starter.  If there is 12v+ delivered to the starter and nothing happens...then the starter is not working.

You need to use a volt meter or test light to figure this out.

Dave

Asking such questions and not providing basic information like age and miles makes even a guess impossible. I guess it's a 99 model,but,,miles is a piece of the puzzle.. That said,the starter can konk out with almost no miles,BUT,typically these things don't have starter issues. Teeth get knocked off the gears on Preantikickback models,but the starter motors themselves have a great track record.I know you tinkered around with the motor and it started,but I'd suggest you spend some time making sure the ground is good on the engine and the battery is fully charged before spending time hauling the starter to town. If you Do take the starter for a test,I'd take the battery,too. Unless you're really confident that the battery is healthy.

sailorcolin wrote on 08/22/14 at 11:10:06:


And what is the battery voltage when you hit the starter button?

And how much of that voltage reaches the starter terminal when you push the button?

Dave

If you have good voltage to the starter then you really need to make sure that the ground on the engine is clean and tight.