N14 red top 'hard spot' while turning over.

Hey guys, I am looking at a non running truck w/ N14 celect plus. I can get this truck for next to nothing ('99 379L, 18 spd, 4 way lockers in 46k rears) It has been sitting for 3 years and the present owner bought it as a non runner. All he can tell me is that the engine turns over, but it will make about 3/4 of a revolution n then there is a tight or hard spot where it slows down. Once its past that point it rotates normal again. No odd noise coming from it while doing so. It will not run as I think it will not turn over fast enough. Any idea on what this may be? Only 900K miles on er...

 

The truck has sat in a shop since so its been guarded from the weather, but yes, time will dry anything out. He did say that it does it on every revolution...so Im thinking possibly spun bearing? Would a starter have those symptoms?

 

I was told that if a bearing issue then copper filings should show up on the dipstick?

 

Well wouldnt that be somethin if its only a starter....I can get this truck for $6K and from what the previous owner told the present owner, everything else was fine and no issues...

 

Well the thing is, I dont wanna start it n have it runnin right in front of the guy, then he probably wont sell it. I guess the best option is to take an oil sample and have it checked out at the Cummins lab...