starter issue, how do I tell if it's going bad? Options

[914 RZ-1]

My car wouldn't start the other day. Battery is good. The starter would not even turn over, but I could hear the fuel pump working. Radio also worked. I was able to push start it to get home. When I got home, I shut the engine off and then tried to start the car. The starter worked. Haven't tried it since, though.

1. How do I tell if the starter is going bad? It sounds ok, but maybe I'm not listening for the right kind of sounds.

2. I'll check all the connections and post my findings as well, but what should I check: terminals on starter, what else?

3. Someone told me to tap on the starter with a hammer. Where? What am I trying to do?

4. Is it better to rebuild or replace? How do I tell if a place is any good? Got a recommendation for a local place, but just based on price.

Thanks in advance!

[r_towle]

wiring at ignition switch gets old and tired, its a long way to travel for the starter circuit.
Rewire with "hot start relay" that has many threads here how to set that up.

Tranny ground strap gets old and corroded, thus passes less current.
Get a new one and clean where it mounts for good contact.

Finally, the 40 year old starter may be tired.

The rebuilt ones you get now are not reliable.
I always use
Chelmsford Auto Electric in Tyngsboro MA
They will rebuild your unit but be clear to have them do that versus selling you a rebuilt one.

Rich