Any engine will show these symptons if it has a sticky solenoid. Unless you're a wiring genius this will mean a new starter.
If it's a flat four then itcould be the bush in the bellhousing that's causing the problem. The bush supports the end of the starter shaft and if it's wandering it may well act up.
like TC says, although, it also common that the ignition switch gets worn and causes these symptoms, so check out if this is so first before paying out for a solenoid or starter...... mind you, it could just be the signal wire connection onto the solenoid ( te spade connection.)inspect and clean up.
Soz fellers it's a 1.9 1986.
solenoid..is that the electro magnet that throws the big switch..piggybacked on the starter
can that be replaced or is it the whole thing?
I've checked the wiring from the ign to the signal spade. It was cleaned
and so far no recurence
Sticky solenoid - Might just be that, as in 'sticky', and not 'knackered'. So worth removing the solenoid and giving it a clean up and test, before spending any money on replacement parts.