Toyota Repair: Corolla Starter smokes, corolla wagon, starter clutch

Question
Hi Ted,  I've got an 1989 Corolla Wagon, All Trac, M/T.  Just recently a problem developed where only on cold starts the starter seems to keep turning for a few seconds after the engine fires, then stops on its own but not after sending up a little plume of smoke.  I take it this is a bad smoke signal...  Is this my starter clutch burning up?  And if so, assuming I can get to the starter and remove it, is it worth the time to rebuild the thing myself or should I just get a new one? (rebuilt is only $100) Thanks for your wonderful help

Answer
Yes the starter is on it's way out and should be replaced as soon as possible before it shorts out and causes the cables to burn and possibly short out the battery as well,the best way is to replace it with a remanufactured unit from the toyota dealer(about $270)they have a one year warranty, less expensive aftermarket starters may save some money but sometimes are a gamble as far as reliability is concerned especially if they only give a 30-90 day warranty.