The solenoid doesn't make electrical contact until after the pinion is
shoved into engagement, so I reckon is has to be an issue with the
overrunning clutch that keeps the starter from spinning too fast after the
engine starts -- unlike a Bendix drive, the pinion stays engaged until you
let the key off.

Yrs,
d

On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 7:59 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:

> Just got in from flogging my van through  Montana's, Idaho's, some Oregon
> and​ Washington, too...Lots of washboard, large number of passes, etc...
> But my first start this morning (Hell's Canyon). the starter seemed to spin
> free for a fraction of a second before engaging...Second start, same  spin
> up by the motor before it engaged..caused me to go home...my campsites
> don't often favor bump starts...so home and?
>
>   Guessing I'll need a replacement... any one brand better for a
>  deisel...(gas really, but same castings.  Anyone know that
> symptom...starter begins by free wheeling for a second before it grabs the
> gear... thanks
>