[w.michael]

Let’s back up. Are you sure the starter isn’t jammed? You said you didn’t hear anything like the starter breaking loose, but did the engine turn back and forth a little bit? You should see your fan move back and forth when you rock the car if the starter is free. Or you should be able to turn the engine with the crank if the starter is free.

I use high gear, not second; and it usually pops loose on the backward push.

W. Michael