Starter is toast

So I cleaned up the solenoid in preparation for the arrival of the new one and took the starter down to Willie at the appropriately named "Starters and Alternators" repair shop in anticipation of a rebuild while waiting for the new part. Willie took my starter in his calloused, grease-covered hands and delicately put it to his nose and sniffed, as if testing a fine wine. "It's burnt to hell" he pronounced and proceeded to have it all apart in 90 seconds, showing me the melted plastic, soot and shorted coil,

Willie happened to have 3 identical new starters on the shelf that someone had ordered but never picked up, but, of course, they turned the wrong way (thank you again, Ferrari). He thinks he can use my casing and gears and get me back in action for $100, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me the part number. The starter is a Nippon unit and the numbers are worn off. I tried many searches with no luck. Has anyone found a reasonably priced replacement?

 

Yes, Mel, thanks. That's the one. Now where can I find a new one without paying F-dealer prices?

 

Yes, Mel, you are right, but they are mega-expensive.

As fortune would have it, Mr. Willie had 3 identical new Denso starters sitting on the shelf (how he found them is the amazing part). He only had to switch the attachment 3-hole plate from mine to make it work. I included a photo of his Cobra Kit with Mechum frame and Jag running gear.
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Mr. Willie's nose was indeed correct - my starter was "burned up", black, melted and beyond repair. Best guess is that the gummed up solenoid piston got stuck and left the starter engaged during my last romp back from Sebring (about 1 hour), spinning the poor thing at 5K+ for a good portion of the trip. With no cats or pre-cats, I heard nothing out of order.

This demonstrates well the concept of automotive Karma. This starter had been going bad for a while, yet it performed flawlessly when it knew I was counting on it. The starter could have crapped out while I was 100 miles from home, but it valiently held on until the 512TR Dream Machine was safely in my garage. Because I take care of my Ferrari, my Ferrari takes care of me. Automotive Karma. Believe it.

The all new starter cost me $170, and turn-around time was 18 hours. Not too shabby. Here are some pics of the good, the bad and the ugly:
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I agree, Joe. Unfortunately there is not too much downhill in Florida.

 

I didn't think to ask, Mel, but that's a great thought. I will find out Monday.