thanks helmut. yeah i removed wire and the two bolts. tried grasping the whole starter and pulling but that didnt work. it looks like according to schematics that the back 1/3 actually comes off allowing to see some guts and brushes then the whole unit cam be pulled out which is what you are saying. in any event, i cant get any of the starter to come off. i tapped it and twisted it but ant get either piece off. i think the tapping helped though cause now she starts every push of start button but i know thats onlt temporary, gotta get those brushes cleaned or replaced