[jasonq]

Resolution:
took to wrench for charging system testing.

voltage at batteries when running was low because....corroded leads, but it was tricky to find. The corrosion was not at the battery connections, but inside the insulation. Water had seeped inside the jacketing near the battery and corroded the wires. It was not visible from without some digging. He says he has seen this before.

this keep the batteries from both fully charging and supplying full current to the starter.

only time will tell if the problem resurfaces...

thanks to all,
jason