The Advance and NAPA stores that I use still have the capability to test starters. But with the availability of relatively inexpensive reman units, the days of going to the trouble of testing them seems to be going the way of the dinosaurs.

Ah the good 'ole days George, like my cash strapped college years when starting the Camaro meant giving the starter a good whack with a hammer to free up the Bendix drive...again.

 

Any wonder that Bendix made it's name with brakes not motors?

 

Interesting, yes, I would vote for bad starter.

Now, who remembers when you could rebuild your own starter? Who remembers when you could replace a solenoid? Who knew how to use a growler (not the one you took to the local tavern to get filled)?