Yuhee,
I found the culprit and punished it.
I took the starter apart. Looked totally okay from the outside. Inside, however, was half a ton of shredded graphite and one copper strut of the collector was broken off. No wonder it didn't work anymore.
I finally ordered a new one for 176.46 with a lifetime warranty.
Thank you to everyone for your great help and support.
If someone is interested in pictures... I simply don't know how to post them. Otherwise ask for HPauls2000@verizon.net.
Harti