So; occasionally, and somewhat more frequently, but not regularly, after the car has been driven and is still warm (usually), maybe about 20-90 min after it has been last started, but never over night, once after work - I get the mystery no start with a good battery, and good FPR. Now some history here - over several years I have cleaned/serviced the neutral safety switch, replaced a battery with a dead cell, replaced alternator bushings (caused slack belts and reduced battery charging), all which I think created a no start problem that was solved (in the parking lot) by either scratching my head for several minutes or getting a jump. So lately, after fixing? those problems, I've started getting another random no start surprise. To get it started, based on research and observation, I've started wacking the starter with a stick (pool cue style, with a 1" x 2 ft dowel). This seems to work, sometimes 3 wacks does it, sometimes a few more, wait, then thwack, thwack, thwack; vroooom there she goes.... Last night it took about 3 sets and 2-3 min before it started.
So, do you think it could be the starter? Seriously, I've got most of my money on that too, but wondering if a bad ground wire is at play.
Question #2: How can I confirm (stranded out in some random parking lot with minimal tools and not in my grubby shop clothes) if it's the starter and/or bad ground?
And, Question #3, if it is the starter (in particular the bendix solenoid), can that be removed and serviced (by me or a local elect shop that rebuilds alternators), or should I just change out the starter?
Q 4 - The rebuilt ones on FCP are ok?
Thanks for your help in advance. This car reminds me of the people riding those little burros, giving the hind quarters a steady reminder with a stick to keep moving.....