My '94 850 non-turbo with over 350K miles runs great and almost always starts up immediately. Twice in the last two months I had the following problem:

- car fires on first start attempt then dies immediately
- when i try it again, the starter cranks but engine wont fire
- I try repeatedly, but no dice
- car has VERY strong spark, and I'm getting sufficient fuel - even changed fuel reg, after first time
- I add on my car starter to give it a boist, but again no start
- try some quick start, still nothin.

Each time i figured it was getting a bit flooded, so I pull the plugs and clean them up (they get fouled with carbon quickly, I think due to the high mileage) push some air into cylinders and let her dry out.

I then let her sit for a day, still wont start, but after multiple attempts of cranking it - and I mean turning the starter for like 30sec at a clip and shoving quick start in, I get her to run. Then it goes back to running perfectly and is nothing ever happened, very solid idle, great pick up, etc.

I've taken great car of this car and it is fully tuned at least once a year, no engine codes are triggered, fuel pump is pumping, all filters clean, egr valve cleaned, plugs, wires, cap etc. all good. All vacuum lines replaced over time, no apparent air leaks.

Could it be some starter issue? I never have replaced the starter, as it does seem to crank the engine ok but after so many miles and 17yrs, is it time to replace? Maybe the solenoid is not engaging properly?Any other suggestions?

thanks, appreciate your thoughts.
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