Weird 914 starter problem

[DanKrier]

Here's a weird one that maybe somebody has an idea about:
My 914 runs great but about every 3 or 4 days, and after many normal starts, I turn the
ignition and I hear only a dull click from down at the starter. Here is the strange part: When this happens I can put the car in 5th gear roll it back slightly to turn the engine a bit, and it fires right up. Anyone had this happen? Thanks Dan

[tonythetarga]

Could be a ‘dead spot’ on starter armature. Also, make sure you clean the ground connector on the battery and at the transmission.

[BetsyBaye914]

Could also be a bad spot on the flywheel. Rolling the car in 5th gear rotates the flywheel to a "clean spot" where the starter drive gear can fully engage the flywheel and start things turning. If its a '74 and you haven't bypassed the "seatbelt/starter safety interlock" (as recommended by the factory) you may be getting random weak current to the starter solenoid.

[Emo993]

I'm with tony, dead spot...