2cams70 wrote: I don't understand why there's so many posts about them on this forum!
Most of the Lucas starters in use are rebuilt by third party shops to the lowest possible cost and no attention to quality. Most rebuilds are simply degreased, drop in fresh brushes, polish the commutator and paint.
If the drive end bushing is worn, the pinion will not mesh properly, foul the ring gear and get stuck or simply grind against it. Been there. It was not until I put in a genuine rebuilt Lucas starter that I had any confidence in my Elan's ability to start reliably.
Eventually I found it harder and more expensive to find a genuine Lucas rebuild. I installed a Denso based starter 25 years ago. It always cranked the engine. The solenoid is finally getting dodgy, so for $25 I will install a new one and move on. It's a matter of personal choice. I have also discovered some of the gear reduction starters are victims of poor rebuilds. YMMV