Can I Bench Test My Starter?

I pulled the starter off my '93 pick-up as I'm pretty sure it's dead. Anyway, before I shell out the cash for a new starter/solenoid, is there a way I can safely check to see if it works by connecting it directly to the truck's battery?

There are only two leads. One is a big, thick wire while the other is a little green wire that went into a connector under the truck. The post on the solenoid that takes the big, thick wire is kinda' wobbly. In other words, you can grasp the post and wiggle it back and forth. Shouldn't that post be quite firm and unmovable??

Whew!

I would expect that terminal to be secure.

Most aftermarket suppliers can (sort-of) bench test a starter.

Well, I took the starter to a auto parts store and they bench tested it for me. It worked just fine. Spun very fast and the toothed gear that engages the flywheel shot out like a rocket. So, I guess my problem is not the starter.

Back to the drawing board.

Well, I had the starter bench tested at two different places and it worked great at both places. However, at the second place the tech guy said we should take a look at the brushes. He popped off the cover and said the brushes looked well worn to him. He figured it would work on the bench but not under load. He replaced the brushes and I put the starter back on the truck.

It started and has started ever since!

Whew!

Congrats on your fix!

The mechanic is right ... a thorough bench testing of a starter is difficult .. that's why my original suggestion/comment was cautious.