Norm, I don't need to remove the headers to get the starter out. However, I will need to remove the starter to check the connections at the starter. In addition, I will check the + and - battery cables for tightness and cleanliness. My question is this though...if it were a cable/connection issue, then why would it be an intermittent issue? You stated above that a starter isn't a go/no-go component, so unless the starter is actually bad, how would a cable/connection issue be the problem? Those pesky electrons aren't going to move one time and stop the next...

 

Heat, vibration & electrolysis.

 

I have a golf tee time I need to get going. Sometimes this can be a concern...something to consider, is all. Like any electrical circuit...you draw current based on demand. If the current is leaking you can have an issue and not draw the correct amperage. After-market devices, faulty or incorrect wiring can cause leaking circuitry. Example: your A/C kicks on at the house you notice a large draw-down on all the lights in your house. If you had the clothes washer, clothes dryer, dishwasher, computers, hair dryers, air compressor in the garage, power washer, etc., etc. all running at the same time you might notice this large draw-down; or, you may not - that draw-down will occur when other devices create a demand. If the ground wire to the main service panel is heavily corroded, this can be an issue. If you have anything incorrectly wired in the starter circuit which might create demand this can be an issue. Electricity will always find the closest path to ground; and, this may not always be the correct path to ground. I'm not trying to send you down a rabbit hole here, just providing you some food for thought on the importance of solid electrical connections and wiring.

 

I finally got a chance to troubleshoot. The first thing I did was check the battery terminals, and discovered the + was loose enough to move by hand. Tightened it up and so far all is good.

As always, thanks to everyone for their advice.

 

The truly absolute most simple things, eh? A lot to be said when someone asks about an electric item which isn't functioning "...are you sure it's plugged into the wall socket..."? Glad you found the issue.

 

I'm not so sure that will solve the grinding problem, but I hope so.

 

Well, since I tightened up the terminal, I've had no further issues, so I'm calling it good. In the midst of all this, I did get another starter from Rock Auto, so I'll have a spare.