Originally Posted by Tonygeez

Update! For anybody who has a similar issue...

the battery I knew was good.. I had the alternator tested, and it turned out good too.. obviously that leaves the starter or witch craft lol.

It seems the starter was simply old and effected by heat. I replaced it, and she is good as new. Starts every time.

I want t to add however, if anybody needs to replace the starter, it’s not for the faint of heart or impatient. It really is a *simple* job.. but very cramped and frustrating. Near impossible to remove and personally. I would consider having somebody do it, cost depending of course.. I also noticed many warnings about breaking the knock sensor.. I honestly never could even find it. I simply kept the starter and everything away from the block.. though I didn’t see it, i obviously didn’t break it. I wish the same good fortune on anybody who try’s this job.

thanks for everybody’s input!