seized engine or seized starter?

you probably burnt up the starter to begin with and need to replace it but why your truck wouldn't start is another question.

Hey people - Pay attention to the facts!

It was cranking fine but not firing ... then it suddenly slows down and cranks real slow ....

There is either a fuel or ignition problem, which is why it did not start.

As a result the person cranked it until the battery ran down!

Charge the battery and Diagnose the REAL problem!

96 Sierra - at that mileage the possibilities range from a failed fuel pump (very likely ) to bad Coils to toasted spark plugs to a plugged fuel filter. On the outside edge of possibility include a jumped timing chain and failed crank or cam sensor and burned valves.

Sounds like it's probably the starter. It was probably turning too slow to turn over the engine, and it finally just died. Make sure your battery is good though first, it could be something simple like that.

If the battery is good, try giving the starter motor a few good whacks with a hammer. Sometimes this will get you a start or two more out of it.

Starter is messed up, try taking a hammer and hit the starter while someone is cranking it. This could get it to start, it's worked for me before. But you're going to need a new starter soon.

It sounds like the starter is bad. You can remove it and have it tested. But GM starters do that. Before I condem the starter, be shure the battery is up to par and the cables are tight and clean.

check what the guy said thats been doing it for 30 years.

Check if you have good spark

Check if you are getting good fuel pressure.

then go back to the starter!

so let's review

you have been suspicious of your starter for TWO years and you wonder if it is a starter issue.

I doubt you seized the engine.

I fear the teeth of the starter might have been chipping away on the teeth of the engine. can't tell without seeing it

you need a new starter