starter engages then disengages and spins 4.3L

2005 Mercruiser 4.3 TKS with gen 2 alpha one. I think I have read every starter thread on here but could not find this issue. Starter engages, turns the motor maybe one crank, then disengages and spins free. Sometimes this is combined momentarily with a nice grinding noise. I have verified full charge, clean and tight wiring, and 12v+ at the starter. I have also disabled the ignition with same results from the starter.

Had an ignition issue which I think I have diagnosed; this caused me to work the starter pretty hard recently. Now I have yet to get it started to see if ignition is fixed. I am thinking just throw in a new starter, but wondering if any other ideas out there? Starter is just about impossible to access; may even have to pull engine to get to it.

Thanks

Re: starter engages then disengages and spins 4.3L

Bendix on the starter failed. Have your local starter/alternator shop replace it and check the rest of the starter.