Meters are good for spotting "randomness". ;)
Im guessing they only did a starter draw, that won't tell you what kind of resistance...er...random problems you may have between the battery/starter/relay/ignition cylinder.
Thought about that. Tried turning over the car without the clutch in and the problem is different than what I get without the clutch pushed in. Mainly that humming noise. So I sorta ruled that out.
As for starter solenoid-was thinking of just replacing the starter but worried I'm going to be pumping money into the wrong problems first. Hoping not to do that.
If you have no issues whatsoever once its been push started, look at the starter circuit. There's no question you have a bad component there.
ETA...is this a manual or auto?
Yup, I already emptied the glove compartment and just left it hanging down so, 1. I can try to pinpoint the noise a bit better and 2. I try taping on it when I get the problem again. That brown spot on the solder makes hope that is what it is. My father-in-law is betting money on the starter switch. He thinks this is funny as hell and can't wait for my next text message of a no start. He likes puzzles too.
Also for the price of a new main relay, I may just replace that too ($30ish) before going to more expensive options like the start switch ($50) or starter ($100).
Sorry, If we weren't so far away, I'd be able to go take a look. Hopefully somebody a little closer can stop by to lend a hand.
Manual-hence the bump/push start.
My father-in-law is putting money on the starter circuit/switch/wiring bundle.
Thanks for the offer. I'm less pissy about the issue now that I just park in BFE at work so I can get a rolling start if I need to. I just don't like putting a ton of money in a beater commuter car. I'd rather put it gun stuff!
Contact Zteknik / Bobby. he's a Ford tech, he might lift his standards to take a guess.