I'm wondering whether my 1982 Volvo 240 DL has two problems or one. I don't repair my own car (except for tiny things) but at least want to avoid unnecessary repairs.

1. The first problem I can live with. For the past couple of years, the engine cranks for a long time before it catches. Sometimes it takes several tries, but the engine has always started. It does start more quickly when the engine or weather is warm.

2. Two days ago, it was a cool, foggy morning. (I park outside.) The engine cranked for a little bit, but then the cranking slowed and stopped. I tried again and the engine only produced a few slow feeble cranks. A few minutes later, the same thing. The engine wouldn't start.

The next day, after a warmer and drier afternoon, the engine started after only a few moments of cranking. The same thing happened this morning, when it was cool but not foggy out.

I thought that cranking that slows down and stops means that the battery is only partially charged. But in that case, would the battery recover when the weather is a little warmer or drier? Does the battery have that much harder a job when things are damp? My mechanic checked my battery several months ago and said it was fine.

The battery looked okay -- there wasn't visible corrosion on the posts. The only thing I noticed was that the wires coming into and out of each post are exposed for around a quarter inch (the incoming and outgoing wires don't touch). I was wondering whether damp weather could cause moisture to collect on these wires and maybe short them out. But in that case, I don't know why the engine initially cranked on that damp morning.

I've also heard that condensation can collect on corroded spark plugs (or something like that), leading to starting problems -- wonder if that could be happening....

I know there are many reasons why the engine might crank a long time before starting. My main concern is that two days ago it wouldn't start at all. I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have.

Thanks!