Being an elecro-motor it has brushes.  When they are worn off, it won't
start.
Same applies to the alternator, when the brushes of the regulator are worn
off, you get no charge.
Or the fuel pump won't work when it's brushes are worn off.

Now, there maybe the other problem, that the solenoid that activates the
starter is stuck in it's dirt.
Or the connections on the starter and solenoid are inefficient.

Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "craig cowan" <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 8:13 AM
Subject: Symptoms of a bad starter?

> So, my starter is a randomly picked, untested 1.9 starter that was in a
> pile
> of them some years ago.
>
> Lately, the bus simply won't start. I get great power to all the
> accessories, the battery appears to be holding and charging just fine, but
> the thing just won't turn over fast enough to be of any value. I've
> cleaned
> all my grounds, I've tightened all my leads, and yet.... no dice.
> Jumping the battery off another car no longer has any effect.
>
> I'm starting to think my starter is a bad egg. Any thoughts?
> What type of symptoms would be expected from a failing starter....if other
> than what I described?
>
> -Craig

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