I just recently purchased my 1st Longtail, it had been sitting outside in Houston weather for 5-6 years. I was able to start it right up just by adding gas. I only ran it for a few seconds then commenced to tear it down to make sure it was all ok. I have been amazed at these little motors and their willing to run...

Long story short the electric starter was fried (and half rusted through) and I was able to find a starter for that motor at MFG Supply for only $29.99 plus $8 shipping! That was more than half the next closest price, so I figured I'd share it with you guys, may save you some money.

heres a link to the part.
http://www.mfgsupply.com/sbs0004.html

Hope this helps someone.

thanks for the info

Will this work on the 23hp vanguard?

you can cross reference the number off your starter on that website, but look at the product info of that starter... it gives you dimensions, spin direction, and teeth count. If these three are the same I see no reason why it would not work jsut fine.