car starts fine most of the time, but occasionally... while turn key to crank position, no crank for ~1 - 2 sec, then starter attempted to crank, and then can hear a "free spinning" sound but engine did not turn over, a few attempt then started ok........ new ign switch ~3 yrs ago, re-man starter ~ 3 yrs ago (after the ign sw)

starting issue, hot or cold..... most of the time, it take a few cranks to start the engine, one interesting "trick", if I turn the key to crank position and stay for ~ 2 sec, then crank, it usually starts ok, otherwise, the engine would not turn over???????? new main and in-tank pump, new fuel filter, 1 yr old fuel regulator, ~3 yr old crank pos sensor, by the way, occasinally smell of fuel, suer not from the main pump or the filter connection, the car runs great full or near empty, ~23mpg combined,
TIA for any feedback.....
'91 940GLE, 16v all new belt every 38-40k miles, mobil 1 every 5k miles, 120k miles