I'm going out to the garage shortly. I'll run through all the basics today, without pulling the starter. I don't think I was clear in pointing out that when the problem occurs there is a single, not-to-loud, click once I turn the key - then nothing. 4crawler's great Cheap Toyota Starter Repair text seems to want either slower starter turning (which I don't have) or a loud click when trying to start and then no start ever? (which I sort of have - but my vehicle start perfectly on the second try) Trying to avoid pulling the starter, I guess!

Thanks.

One more pic of bro's engine (not the subject of the start problem).