I have a 93 Amigo with the 2.3.L engine. Normally the thing runs great, even for an older model, starts up immediately, but once a month it has a temper! I will try to start it and it will maybe make 1 full revolution and stop and make a thud/click sound, almost like it's seized. If I try to start it again, just a click and the lights go dim. I have learned that if I push it enough to get some momentum and release the clutch in gear, it will turn the engine enough that I can start it, but it runs like hell, smokes, and stinks of gas. Usually after this method though, it takes a while to get it started even though the engine is turning over.
Any ideas before I start randomly throwing parts it at?

 

Almost sounds like the starter but that doesn't explain the smoke and gas smell once you get it going...

Are all your oil levels ok? It's not seizing due to lack of oil right?

 

No, the oil level is fine. I was going off the idea of maybe a hydrolock, but the levels in the oil and radiator never change. But Hydrolock should be more consistent that just once a month.