One of my favorite remedies is to take it to a local place that rebuilds
them. They also rebuild starters and alternators for all the
Caterpillars and John Deeres and Fuchs and Liebherrs owned by the local
construction companies. If they can get those right, they can do a
pretty good job on mine. And the alternator on a Fuchs ML350 looks just
like a VW unit except it's 24 volts. So they have the connections to get
the Bosch parts. And they are my neighbors. I MIGHT even be able to get
service after hours, but don't want to ask too many favors!
I used to be in the parts business 30 years ago. You wouldn't believe
the  lousy quality of the rebuilts then, mostly because the cores were
junk. Your old starter (core) is likely a whole lot better place to
start rebuilding than the average one in the bins at the big rebuilder
that furnishes the local FLAPS.
Just one suggestion.
Al Brase
69 doublecab, Vanagons

Pete Moore wrote:

>I need to replace my starter.  What should I do other than
>just  going to the local supplier get one.  I would like to
>get the best  starter I can.
>
>Thanks,
>ph
>
>FWIW - 80 Westy starter - I did 3 "rebuilts" from my FLAPS - one in a
>campground in CO (a fun trip from CA with push sarts every morn) they were  all
>guaranteed but what a PITA. $100 - Bus Depot - no probs for 3 years  with this
>starter - other probs yes - but the starter is great.
>
>Pete
>80 Westy
>various American and Nipponese iron in garage and driveway
>
>
>