Help XF Non Starter Motor

[virden]

Attempted to raise the Beastie from it hibernation, but the Starter motor will not turn, just gives a click each time I press the start button.   Battery shows 12.4V across the terminals..  Have taken motor off and find solonoid moves freely by hand  as does bendix gear, BUT the  motor is very stiff to turn by hand, i.e fingers against the bendix.  Tried running it on bench, but just clicks.

Working when the car was put away fo rthe winter, the motor is the original 1996 unit with 20k miles under a 4:1 manifold.

Suggestions please

[SM25T]

You say battery at 12.4V. What does this read as you press the starter. Suspect it drops dramatically and needs charging. Check liquid levels first if applicable. You won't turn starter by hand.

[elie boone]

if it only clicks when tested on the bench, open up the rear and clean the copper where the carbon brushed run on and all should be fine.