>It sounds like the solenoid is sticking. Get back down there (or reach from
>the top via long handled hammer) and bang it a few times. Then see if it will
>crank.

Did this many a time on a '78 bus --- and carried a hammer right by the driver's
seat for this purpose. Usually happened on a hot start (metal parts are a little
bigger and a little more inclined to stick it they're going to)............I've
also heard that the sticking can be caused by a worn lower end bearing on the
starter --- either way get out the BFH and start saving for a new/rebuilt
starter --- though come to think of it I carried the hammer for two years and
the bus died before I ever replaced the starter :-)

Cheers,
Doug