Engine Starter failed to crank

[Black Thumb]

When I turn the key sometimes the starter cranks immediately, sometimes it cranks a little, stops, and then cranks again. I was at a funeral yesterday and when when I left I turned the key...nothing. Fortunately I was pointed down a slight grade so got it slow rolling, put it in granny first, and popped it over. When I got home it cranked like nothing was wrong. Do you think my starter is maybe just slowly failing with age, or do you suspect something else.

 

[TSB8C]

Three possible issues I see: (1) starter starting to go out; (2) bad electrical connection; (3) bad solenoid. To test #1, next time it won't crank, tap the starter with a small hammer and see if it cranks. To test #2, check all connections (large cable from battery positive to solenoid, then cable from solenoid to starter, smaller wire from ignition switch to solenoid). To test #3, when it won't crank, jump the solenoid with a jumper cable or even pair of pliers or two screwdrivers (don't burn your hand).

I had a similar issue a while back and I found that tapping the side of the starter with a hammer made to crank. New start fixed it.

 

[Black Thumb]

Before I realized I could get a slow roll my first thought was to find something to bang on the starter with. The solenoid and the distributor are the newest parts in the Jeep. The connections are good.

I think it's just old (48 years old) and I'll just replace it. Would you go OEM, or one of those mini gear reduction starters? Doesn't seem worth it going from $100 AC Delco to a three to six hundred.

 

[Belizean]

Just go with a regular starter.