truck has brand new engine. Just got it all in and hooked up. Started cranking truck to build oil pressure, did a couple cranking cycles of about 10 seconds til I saw oil pressure. Did notice battery power was getting low and it started cranking slower. Then the next time I hit the ignition, the starter clicked and engaged, but the bendix stuck open. Not stuck open and spinning like I've heard about. Just stuck engaged. I can pry it back free but if u hit the starter it does it all over again. Any ideas what could be going on here? The starter is aligned and no issues that way.

 

Did you try charging the batteries up and seeing if it will do it again on a full charge?

 

Yes. So far this morning I have charged batteries, even swapped batteries with brand new batteries from another truck. Went through and cleaned all the grounds and battery terminals and still does the same thing.

 

Is your fender mounted starter relay making any noises? Best to work from the batteries to the starter before going with your starter is probably shot.

 

Yes you can hear the fender relay click and then the starter click and get stuck. There is definitely power going to the starter

 

Have you tested how much is going through it with a multimeter yet? That solenoid is about 20$ vs 200$ for a starter. It could be overloading the starter. How old is the starter anyway?

 

Starter is probably gummed up on the inside. That has been the culprit for stuck like that. Usually a hammer and light taps does the trick. I'd be considering a starter replacement.

 

I second the starter. You might get away with removing it and giving the internals a good cleaning and lubing the shaft. You would probably be better off getting a new one.