Starter spins but does not engage engine

[kscheffler]

2001 Dodge with Larry B contacts. Contacts are 150k plus miles on then and starter has not been rebuilt with 230k miles. When I push in the clutch and turn key I can hear starter spin fast but no grinding. When I turn off key I can hear the starter engage. Then turn key again and it starts great? Is this just the solenoid I should I pull the starter and rebuild it? Thanks in advance.

 

[SAndreasen]

Time for a new starter

 

[GAmes]

I'd try removing it and cleaning the bendix before replacing it. I think a little lube would be appropriate as well. While you are in there swap the contacts to the opposite side.

 

[KBurgoyne]

Jab it with a hunk of wood and see if the solenoid is stuck. The replacement solenoid kit from larry B is only about 40 bucks. If the unit is bad only get denso. I burned through 5 autozone starters. They lasted a year each. The denso is going on 7 years. Larry B's starters are upgraded factory new denso.