Recently I was experiencing progressively more sluggish starting on my 88
until finally the starter wouldn't budge without a tap from a hammer.  After
checking the battery (good), cleaning the contacts (and tranny ground), I
ended up replacing the starter and bushing w/ a new rebuilt ("PPR") I
ordered through my mechanic.

It fired right up the first couple times, and turned strong.  Great.  But,
later that day, I was getting nothing.  Tapping it with a hammer eventually
gets it going.

This happens both when cold and hot.  I tried "jumping" the starter by
shorting the contact and I still get nothing except for the fuel pump.

Is my "new" starter bad?

Thanks,

James V