dead starter and waving tach issues

[lespaul]

Yesterday, about 60 miles into a 240 mile round trip, I stopped for gas. Filled up, started the car with no problem and drove for about 4 min to next stopping point. Turned car off. 5 min later, tried to start car again. No starter. Fuel pump was running, lights worked, but no sound from starter - not even a click. A friend push started me and she started right up. Idle was perfect and I drove another 100 miles. Engine performing perfectly.

Then tach began waving back and forth at me when decelerating. At idle, tach read 0 -- but car idleing fine. Tack did not wave when accelerating or holding throttle steady - just when declerating.

Before I dig in, I would appreciate any advice that might save me time.

Are the two problems likely related or just coincidental?

I plan to first check the ground strap for the starter problem - but, if that was the problem would other electrical systems also have cut out too?

Could the starter problem be the ignition switch? If so, how to test it?

BTW - starter is 34 years old. If I have to get one for my 73.5T, any recommendations?

Thanks

Brad

[Miguel Antonett]

Bad battery, alternator or voltage regulator on that order.

[lespaul]

Thanks for the input.

Would it be likely that I could drive for 3 + hours after experiencing starter problems with a bad battery or alternator? Alternator light never came on either.

[SCWDP911]

You might check out my recent thread. Seems like the season for this. Although, I do not have the wavy tacho symptom with mine....

Looks like I need a new starter...

[lespaul]

Thanks V8 - great lead on next steps.