should I replace it or just grease it up... ?

wonder how much one costs for an older Mariner motor?

Clean it up good (as in take it apart). If I remember right it might be left handed thread. Not sure 'bout that. Check tha shaft for anything thats not supposed ta be there. Put a little graphite on and see how it acts. If that doesn't work, replace it...........jmo

I would clean it, then put some 3n1 oil on shaft..
NO GREASE-no wd40..lite oil and you'll be fine

thanks guys...

Bendix drive sells for around $25.00. I carry them instock. If it is sticking, could be from either someone putting wd40 and "gunking" up the shaft or from burrs on the threads of the starter and/or the bendix. Could also be from a bent shaft on the armature.
John