starting gremlin while cranking....cam sensor? Or something else?

[hot air 84GN]

Everything has been running fine, without problems. Noticed early in the spring, that sometimes when starting the car I have a problem. While cranking the starter, it stops and hesitates. Then continues to start. Almost like a weak battery. I charged the battery and now run a battery maintainer. So I don't think that is the problem. Scanmaster reads 12- 14v. So I briefly thought it may the starter. I have had it out before checked the terminals and re tightened. Which I am going to check again. A car friend mentioned it sounds like the timing is off or advanced. I immediately suspected the original cam sensor or cap, since I have replaced the coil, module, wiring leading to ignition, and crank sensor recently in the last few years. Could a faulty cam sensor or cap cause trouble when cranking?
I'm not positive of anything, because it runs fine after it finally starts. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

[standupjskiguy]

If the brushes inside the starter have lots of material left on them,
the starter also has a solenoid on it which switches the 12 volts to the starter motor.
Maybe the solenoid is going bad.

 

[hot air 84GN]

thanks, was just going to replace the starter. Its original, and would be a pretty affordable fix. Its a good place to start. I appreciate your help.

 

[NorCalTurbos]

X2

 

[TurboBuRick]

Cam sensor timing being slightly off can cause what you describe.

 

[hot air 84GN]

you da man rick! Thanks
your advice is always extremely helpful!!