It would help if you were a little more detailed in your question. Does it do it every time? Do you mean when the engine is already running, and you try to start it?
The good news is that it's not that expensive to buy a rebuilt one from an auto parts store, and it comes with instructions on how to install it. I have a mechanic who works out of his garage, and when he put it in, it looked so easy that it made me think I could have done it myself.
when you shut an engine down, they tend to come to rest in 1 or 2 spots. after years and maybe a bad starter, the flywheel gets chewed up, thats one reason. another is the starter bendix isnt shifting in. like it should.
The gears in the starter not properly meshing with the flywheel
ORR; you battery is cwap. Which means buy a new high CCA battery. If you are push starting, it is so near death it should have been changed last week.
Common / general reasons...
