2 new junk starters...

I pulled the starter and it came out real easy....because the shaft had sheared completely off!!! The end cap which supports the shaft (on the drive side) was also cracked and the bushing was working its way out (had moved about 1/4").

So I told him he needs a new starter. I bought one FROM THIS WEBSITE ($160), thinking it would be a reliable source.
I replaced it, and here we are a year later....The new starter wont turn at all. I pull it, and discover that the bushing that supports the shaft is completely gone and the end cap cracked again!!! I dont know if the bushing is in the clutch housing or inside the starter.
The shaft is still in one piece, but it has about 1/4" of end play.

Has anyone else had trouble with cheap starters? Where can I get a good one? Its a 12v. The local tractor supply has them on the shelf, but they look just like the junk one I put in. Any suggestions?

The problem is mechanical (failed bushings, cracked housings, broken shaft) not electrical, so replacing brushes wont help.

There is no problem with the drive/clutch mechanism....the bushing that supports the starter shaft comes loose because the bore which holds is cracked.

I will double check the ring gear as that seems to be the only possible explanation other than poor manufacturing.

Broken starter nose cones and/or shafts are not uncommon when using 6V starters with 12V batteries.

The reduced cost imported starters are even more susceptable to this type of failure than are the OE starters but I have seen many OE design starters with broken cast iron nose cones after conversion to 12V.

Converting the tractor back to 6V or rewiring the starter for 12V operation will eliminate nearly all of this type of failures.

Dean