Simple problem: the motor sometimes starts others don't

Hi all.
Sorry for the title but I don't really know how to put it.

Most of the times I just turn the key and the motor starts pretty fine, apart from what appears to be misfiring between 1000-2000 (I'll have to deal with that).
Others it simply just don't do nothing. Just a clanking noise then nothing. I found that if I shift 5th and bounce the car it starts nicely.

I'm about to be re-stationed to a air base shared with US armed forces, this time not like Fallujah or Kandahar. Quiet and peaceful not having to wait for the bell to ring for get cover. I'll have access to the facilities, so I'll have a full auto hobby shop waiting for me. I've got a project building on my mind that I'll share with you all for some advices/tips.

Best regards and thanks for your help

Check your battery. If it is weak, you can have these types of problems. It could also be a failing starter. Check the easy things first.

Yup^ Sounds more like a starter if it runs OK.

Hi all.

The battery is new. And OK.
I thought starter. I believe this started after a total hose failure connecting the heater valve to the block just above the starter. Water all over the place. Any tips on what to check on the starter.

A different question. The car runs on dual system. If switch off in LPG and forget to select petrol the car won't start. At that point if I select LPG it starts fine. Also sometimes the car just give up on petrol. Not like fuel starvation. Just gives up and if I immediately switch to LPG runs fine. Also on petrol it looks like a cold carburator vehicle until 2000, failing it I give just slam the throttle. Again fine on LPG.

I had the injectors cleaned and I'm tending to injectors. Completely lost on this one.

Best regards and thank you so much for the prompt answer

I would guess alternator

Hi all.

For me it looks starter because if I shift in gear and bounce the car it will start. The problem is that I'm not sure and I'm not willing to remove the starter, at least for the moment. Tips pretty much welcomeon this

Best regards