[Spridgets] now starting problems..

[derf]

Poor ground strap connection?
Worn starter brushes?
Bad starter relay?  (solenoid) or switch in your case.

Maybe your electrical connections won't support the current required
to turn the motor.
You get enough current to turn the starter and engage the bendix but
when it needs power to turn the motor, it fails.

Does the starter continue to spin with the gear disengaged or does it
simply stop?

Cheers,
Derf