Looked at the starter relay pin activity, thanks to guidance from jpb53. Everything behaved as expected. Starter relay got 12 across the coil and sent 12v from pin 87 of the relay output to the starter. Pin 87 output had previously been zero volts all the time. Reconnected smaller starter wire back up and although engine would crank, it would not start. (This was my original problem) almost acting like no fuel being delivered.
As I was turning the engine over several times, I pounded on the dash, and now it did not even turn over.
Did this a couple of times and this would cause the start to sometimes work and not work. Not sure what to try next. I have already soldered the back of the speedometer connector. Maybe look again? BCM? PCM?
Again, originally could start but would not always runs. Dash gauges not working.
Rich