my 94 c 1500 ,4.3 v/6 has recently started to make a whining noise and the starter is not engaging at start up. it is not the typical "click" of a low battery. it sounds like the bendix is not engaging .after one or two tryes it starts. sometimes (not always) will sound like it "hits the flywheel. is it time for a new starter?. thanks

 

I would remove it and take it to Autozone and have them do a diagnosis of it 1st (maybe a solenoid) then go from there -- (save some money) who knows.

 

starters for your motor are usually pretty cheap, sounds like it needs replaced.