I'm in Westport. I need a rebuild on a 40hp 82 merc. Not sure if its just the brushes. Anyone know anyone close by to me?

Call the closest auto starter/alternator place and see if they think they could rebuild it. Pull it off yourself and go see them.

You may want to try Beckmans in New Bedford, I have had good luck with them.

I did mine on a 150 ocean pro evinrude. I stressed over it before trying, but when I did it was really simple. Got some brushes for about 12 bucks, pulled it apart, cleaned the armature, reassembled with new brushes and all was well. Not much else going wrong in a small starter.....at least that would be worth fixing. If you are all handy at fixing things I'd suggest you go for it. Very little to lose.

Of course, now I own a Yami HPDI. When its starter began to get iffy I went to buy brushes and they were only 185 bucks :splat:. Ended up just replacing the whole starter for about 300 :af: