[TR] Gear Reduction Starter

[terryrs at comcast.net]

I have several years on one of the new aftermarket gear reduction starters for the TR3.  Last year I was getting clicks, then it would eventually turn over.  This season, nothing.  I've turned the engine by hand, and I've jumpered the cables, so I know the juice is getting there.  When I turn the key and push the button, power complete drains the system and even the electric fuel pump stops running.

Question.  I had sort of thought that these new gear reduction starters would be more reliable than the old stock starters.  Has there been any experience out there otherwise?

Terry Smith, '59 TR3A
New Hampshire