as i was reading another forum, it might have developed a problem on the distributor cap or rotor. probably it got wet when the mechanic sprinkled running water over the engine firewall when his assistant accidentally pressed the brake pedal and a swoosh of brake fluid came out all over when i had it serviced for bleeding the brake system. i did have 2 or 3 times having a problem starting the engine days after the brake service. though most of the time it started at one click.