94 non turbo wagon(165k) always started right up. Last week or so very slow to start and runs rough for a few seconds then runs fine. The starter has to grind a bit to get things going. Once in a while starts up fine(little cranking)always drives fine, then will start up with a lot of cranking. I have cranked it for a few seconds, all the lights on the dash come on, then crank again, it starts and runs shaky, few seconds, then runs fine. No codes(does the check engine light have to be lit for there to be a code stored?). This is my wife's car and it and the slow start makes her nervous to take the kid out.

New plug wires, rotor, etc. about 30 thousand miles ago. I checked and cleaned the plugs, wires, rotor and cap. No change. The air filter is clear too.

What might be a logical order or possibilities for such a problem. I will drive till it does not start but if there is something I could check now to avoid an eventual non-start problem, I would appreciate any ideas. Any help?