I am trying to start an untested engine out of a parts car, so I got everything ready and hooked it all up. Cranked the starter and voila! - a nicely spinning motor.

Unfortunately, if you know the difference between an engine and a motor(), you'll realize this isn't good.

So.....it appears that the bendix is not engaging the flywheel. Next question is.....how do I fix this, in order to test this engine? And no, I am not planning to pull a starter out of one of the running vehicles. Is there anything to look for? Could the bendix be seized in place on the shaft so that centrifugal force does not slide it forward?

Thanks.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

A little penetrating oil on the drive would not be a bad idea.

Okay, will try that too.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

bang on it with a pipe

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

Well, I can pull the bendix forward with a set of pliers, but not without considerable effort. I'm thinking I need to take it apart.....any suggestions or tips?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

LOL... I hope not... electricity .... electro magnet pulls it into contact with the flywheel.... what do you supposed takes it OUT of engagement with the flywheel once you have let go of the starter key ?

A spring... which you have now confirmed works.....

Okay......

So what's keeping it from moving forward if the spring is pulling it back?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

All sorts of things could.... it is usually on a pin... so if that gets worn it can cause friction.. dirt can be in there... usually no lubricant is suggested in that area... but that does not mean something for cleaning purposes is bad... if lubed then it keeps dirt and grime there until it restricts its movement..
Lack of good electricity will do it also... , like broken filaments in the electro windings...
etc... no telling how old the thing is... have you considered taking it apart. ?

Yup.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

Anyone have any tips?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

If the starter has a solenoid on top it may be that the sloeniod is not pushing the Bendix (or is it an Overrunning Clutch type starter gear). Check and see if the solenoid id working before taking it apart.
If It was my car and the engine is questionable I would rotate the engine several complete revolutions before so see if it hangs up anywhere before I tried to start it.
Added later: I did some checking from what I can see from the pictures in the manuals I looked at you starter gear has an Overrunning clutch. This means that the Starter Solenoid is the only thing that is going to push the starter gear forward to engage the flywheel (are there teeth missing on the flywheel?). Carefully see if you can use a jumper wire just on the solenoid terminal to activate the solenoid.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I've jumped the started with it off the engine. Spins freely, but the bendrix does not move forward. I don't think it is the solenoid.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

The question is; if your starter has a solenoid on top what is it used for?
On other starters the solenoid is what pushes the starter gear into the ring gear on the flywheel. In your case if the solenoid is not dead it may not be wired correctly. The prior owner may have messed it up.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

So what am I looking for?

Or are you just speculating here? Is there anyone on here who has dismantled one of these before?

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

If the auto parts stores in Canada will test your starter for free you might want to take it to the; you do not have to buy a rebuilt from them just get the old starter tested.
Again I do not know what is available to you in Canada. Here I can go to the local Library and (you cannot take the book home) they will have those big hard cover Chilton or Motors manuals that cover allot of different models. They have a unit repair section that deals with starters. Look for the Genera Motors/Chevrolet starters as they are similar to the one on my 300D. They should have instructions on how to do some test.
This pic is from a Motors manual; please note-- the Bendix type starter dose not have a Solenoid:

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel