. . . Inspection before taking out ,as best you can, may expose the problem. . .
Good advice - maybe the following is worth a try/inspection?
If you "rebuild" the starter, you will most like replace the
starter switch (that is actuated by the foot-starter linkage).
There is a slim possibility that your problem is caused by a worn contact in that starter switch. This can easily be inspected/replaced without removing the starter from the clutch housing. It might be worthwhile doing this inspection?
