RE: Tried repairing starter..
If it needs brushes, my "OLD" Sulivan starter had brushes that were very close to those used in a skill saw. I had to sand them down a touch, but the fit was pretty good.
Battery has a large effect on how the starter works. If it plugs into the flite box, battery may be tired. It it attaches to the battery in your car, not idea there.
BUzz.