Ok so I got the starter out of a 1960 dodge w/ 383

This is th old type starter with the soleniod on the fender

So I went to bench test it and the pinion gear engages and spins but will not return to the disengaged position.

How do I get it to return so I can reinstall the starter? I know it probably requires the spining flywheel to gert it back in but the starter is out of the car

Here is how it sits right now

 

You don't need to do anything except line up the gear teeth and install it. If the Bendix (starter drive) is working correctly, it will spin right back out the first time you crank the engine.

Frankly, if it were mine, I'd pull it apart and inspect it before I installed it. Make sure the bushings have a little grease, but not too much to get into the brushes. Make sure the brushes are good, springs are good, and commutator is nice and smooth, and that the mica insulation between the commutator segments is "undercut", otherwise the mica will prevent good brush contact. Generally check the interior over, and make sure the drive isn't rusty/ gummed up.

 

Thanks,
I thought thre might be a way to do it but guess I'll try and reinstall it again maybe I didn't have the teeth lined up the first time.

I did disassemble it and check everything you mentioned and it all looks good.