2.3L ('83-'97) Ranger Wont Crank

[Cody_allred]

Recently my truck wasn't running after some modifications to exhaust and egr. now it started and ran and idled on its own for about 30 seconds then it bogged back down and shut off. upon turning it back over the starter is whining and spinning freely and not starting the motor. I can hear it actuating and tuning the fly wheel at least I think its turning it. I took off the starter and bench tested it it kicked out and spun. I used a socket and ratchet to turn the engine and the engine turns so I know its not frozen or siezed up. help..

 

[Dirtman]

Bendix is broken, starter is misaligned, or the gears are stripped.

 

[Cody_allred]

Bendix is broken, starter is misaligned, or the gears are stripped.

taking starter tomorrow to local bpart store i use to work at to bench test on the machine. above the bendix gear is a washer looking thing at the tip of the point of the starter that washer looking thing is soo loose i can almost slide it down the starter shaft