I am afraid you are right about the bench test. If I pull this thing out (major PIA), I will have to cross my fingers in the store and hope it fails. Then put it back. If the Tech pulls it out, it will not be a problem, he deals with the parts dude everyday. Part is covered, labor is not. Thats when I worry about the old hidden costs. I think this is bad and I think you should replace that, etc. Either way - I pay!

I bet the Plunger is sticking in the cold. When it is warm out or the truck has been running, no problem. Thanks for the feedback! Is that why tapping the starter helps sometimes? I wonder...