problem with track

How many locomotives are you running on that handle?  How many lighted passenger cars or operating cars?  I would remove everything and start adding and running things one at a time  while monitoring amperage draw.  Check pickup rollers for disconnected and intermittently shorting wires.  Let us know how you make out.

4 engines. (Two 2 engine lashups), no passenger cars, 2 cabooses. will do

How many motors in those 4 engines?

2 each total 8

Wow!  Ok, just to confirm, all 4 of these locomotives are being powered by the same transformer handle?  I assume Z4000? If so, I am not surprised you’re tripping the limit.  A 2 engine locomotive can draw 2.5 amps or more depending on gearing, age, load, smoke, etc…. The motors will demand their most draw at startup which explains the tripping when you rush the handle.  With lashups you have to be sure that both locomotives are operating correctly and at similar speed otherwise one will draw more current than normal trying to push or pull the other.  Again, I would test them individually for proper operation, speed and draw.  In any case, I think you are close on the max on a single handle.  However, you mentioned it will spike to 10 suddenly which leads me to think something is binding or shorting.  

single handle  12x16 oval one channel on this oval. Funny I have another oval and am running 5 engines, 2 lashups and one single engine and that loop is fine

funny how this just started happening with the same Locos on the track for months. Funny this doesn't happen on the handle where I am running 5 locos. BTW I have the smoke always turned off. A few people with Asthma in the house can be triggered by the smoke. I know the smoke increases the amps. Tested all the locos individually, they all work fine......crazy