[DeTomaso] starter electrical system problem

[Pantdino]

Hi, guys,

Well, it's my turn to have a problem.

Battery is about 6 mos old, sits disconnected with a battery maintainer attached between drives.
shows 12.9 v across the terminals.

When the key is turned to starter position a noise like a mechanical bee is heard from the passenger side firewall area and the starter motor does not engage.

History is that I have used an ignition cutout switch to start the car when it is hot for years--  I get the engine spinning then flip the ignition switch.  If I try to start the car normally when hot the starter is not powerful enough to drive the engine past the first piston firing and it stops dead and I have to try again.

My experience is that a clicking but non-closing starter relay is a sign of a weak battery, but this battery should be fine and the noise is different.

Thank you,

Jim