>> I need to return the new starter that was installed....
>> the clerk said I would not be able to return it if installed...
>> There is a 1 1/2 " oil smear and general grime ...
>> How would YOU clean it back to apparent
>> "newness" and return it for the $125 refund?

> The rules are simple - you can't return the starter for a refund if it's
been installed.
> Having been a reseller for years I can tell you that from their point of
view you are
> trying to steal $125 from them!  I suggest you keep it as a spare.

Tom is right. You are basically asking the list to help you figure out how
to defraud a retailer. And, if you succeed, you'll also be sticking it to
the next Vanagon owner who will have paid full price for a new starter but
received a cleaned-up used one.

Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot, Inc.
www.busdepot.com