[Healeys] Starter Problem

[Mauser9 at aol.com]

62 BT7
 
Starter solenoid goes click click.  Bypass solenoid still  we not 
engage/spin.  Removed starter.  12+V at battery side of switch.  Engage switch 12+V 
at starter cable.
 
Bench test starter directly to a battery and it  spins.
 
Question:  Could the starter be weak enough not to turn  engine but spin 
w/o any resistance ?
 
Comments are welcomed.  Am I missing something  ?
 
Im an old guy and that starter was a big pain in the A**   to remove !
 
 
Don