[FWDLK] starter

["don dulmage" <big-d@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Usually (90%) of starter failures are caused by bad brushes or a bad
drive end bushing. When the brushes first act up you can sometimes get
one more start by tapping the starter firmly with a hammer and I have
saved many a customer an expensive tow call to the shop with this
rescue.
Basically it jiggles the brushes just enough to make contact but it is
the last resort. This may be what is wrong with yours since it works
after you take it off and rotate it. The other problem starters have is
a bad drive end bushing. This allows the armature (the center portion of
the starter that rotates) to drag on the field coils. This disturbs the
magnetic fields that make the starter work and if severe it will stop
operating. The type of starter used in forward-look vehicles is
identical or very similar to those used in agricultural or industrial
Chrysler engines which are still very plentiful (welders, compressors
combines etc) and most auto-electric shops in agricultural areas would
have the parts in stock or available overnite. Hope this helps.
DOn DulmaGE