Starter Question

[sjarrett71]

Well I got my steering column all installed and everything buttoned back up. I put a charger on the battery since the truck hasn't been started in a few weeks. After a while I attempted to start the truck (72 GMC 350/4 speed). All I got was click click click. I first thought solenoid. I tried to jump the starter with a screwdriver and I got same thing. I crawled up under the truck and saw the starter teeth were in the out position and resting on the flywheel teeth. I turned the engine over a little by hand and I heard the starter disengage. I tried to start the truck again and all I got was click click click. I looked again and the starter teeth were against the flywheel again. It would never turn the engine over. What would make the starter do that? Solenoid?? It started fine last time I started it (about a month ago). All the wire connections are good, tight, and clean. Why do parts go bad just sitting there???