Will a bad Solenoid ignition?

[AKcharger]

Will a bad Solenoid affect starting...ignition?

I went to take the '70 for a ride and it didn't want to start. Then it started for a bit and cut out, then I got the "click/thunk" of the starter hitting the flywheel but not turning...wait a few seconds try again, turns over strong them starts runs for a sec and dies?

Also I recall a period when I'd tried to start and it would just turn over but just as I release the key it would catch and fire off perfectly

Any Ideas?

[71 SE3834V]

Sounds like 2 problems.
1st one might be the starter relay not making good contact inside. I have taken mine apart and cleaned inside.
2nd one might be the ignition switch. Sounds like it's not sending power to the coil when in the start postion but then makes contact when in the run postion.
Time to get the test light out!

[b5blue]

  Check the long flat ignition switch connector's contacts. At that point your bouncing between start and run. (I've seen the main red wire is a poor connection there and prone to overheating.) The draw from the starter cranking could be pulling down volts available at the coil/ignition and any weak connections will act as resistors adding to it being temperamental. (Tiny amounts adding up.) After switching to a Red Top Optima battery and D&B mini starter my 440 just starts instantly, no cranking. The red top outputs more amps faster and the mini is more efficient so the two work well as an upgrade.   

[AKcharger]

Copy...Thanks guys!

[AKcharger]

Cleaned tighten contacts on selenoid, works fine. I guess that was it?

[71 SE3834V]

Starter relay or the Bendix down on the starter?
Yep one the first rules of electrical diagnosis is make sure connections are clean and tight. Actually that should be the second rule the first being -disconnect the battery when working on the electrical system. 

[AKcharger]

LOL to rule #1!  the relay on the firewall