Its driving me NUTS!

[redrum]

I've not posted much, but like to read and see pics of some of you guys projects. Good stuff.

Now, I have to cry uncle!
The problem is my starter. Or it may be my starter. Or it could be something else.
For around three years now at times when the key is turned the starter wont crank. The radio dims slightly and makes a staticy click. If I go out and use a screwdriver and jump from the hot wire on the starter to the connection to energize the solenoid it works EVERY time ( ). So, getting tired of that I installed a switch with the power coming from the hot on the alt. to the solenoid. Exact same result. So I thought and replaced the eye loop at the end of the energizer wire. Same old. Except now its worse. Even more eratic than before. Not sure that its directly related. Thing is it doesn't always do it.

Sooo... any thoughts on it. Or random musings or just wild a$$ guesses?

Please help! Thank You.