I just got a starter I bought on ebay.
linkI fed it power and wouldn't turn -- so I took it apart. I found the problem. Someone had unceremoniously cut out all the brushes!! Just goes to show on ebay buyer beware. Unfortunately I already left positive feedback before testing it. And in all fairness the seller may not have known it was fubar.
Props to Jay and all the people who do it right and test before selling.