In a message dated 9/17/05 5:34:37 AM, kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET writes:

<< On the other hand I have had customers go to the local electrical rebuild
shops and get their alternators and starters rebuilt.  They last about a year
or less. >>

Maybe that is how things are done in Joisey, but in my part of the world if
that is all the better an auto electric shop could do, the truckers and
construction guys would string the shop owner up by his ying-yangs.

The mystery of rebuilding electrical apparati disappeared even before Tesla
flip the switch at Niagara Falls.  I rebuilt a Vanagon starter myself years ago
and used it for five more years.  As far as I know, the thing might still be
merrily spinning away.  Admittedly, I have a few more machine tools under
power than the average happy homemaker, but not that many more than the
run-of-the-mill auto electric shop.

Some persistent starter problems might be caused by failing to replace the
outboard bushing bearing or distorting it when it is installed without a proper
tool.

George