i have thought about that scooter.but man i sure would hate to buy a HIGH DOllAR starter and have it do the same thing!!when i would use stock type sterters on high comp. engines they would start to drag after a very short time, but it seems im headed in that direction.i just thought that if it was a compreession problem that it would take out the armature or bushings first from the overheating of the starter not make it sound like its one there sideways.i think ill take the starter off the nova tomorrow. thanks guys for the help.