I have a weird problem with my starter, see what you all think.

Whenever I try to start my '87 Vanagen it acts like the battery is almost
dead, the engine turns over ever so slowly not even fast enough to start the van.
About 6 months ago I bought a brand new battery and I checked it to day and
all is fine but still the starter won't kick the engine over. My best guess is
that the starter is fried as all the wires are clean and tight from the
battery back to the starter.
the starter has been acting sorta strange lately both sound wise and the way
it would clank the engine over like it didn't have the power to start the car.

Any other ideas before I send this starter packing??