My '87 4x4 cargo van still has the original starter. A mechanic refurbished it in the mid-1990s. It's been hanging up from time to time lately (after not being started for some weeks or months) but if knocked with a rock or something will work again. Should I go ahead and replace it just because it's that old -- to avoid having a problem out on the road somewhere?
Mine was starting to fail, just clicking and not engaging, finally it gave up and wouldn't start at all.
Tossed in a new one, rebuilt with lifetime warranty, about $74 bucks,
working great. Mine was the original one 175K miles.
I say go for it.
Yeah I had pretty much figured that out. I think I'm closer to 300k miles but they're about 90% highway miles.
At an online parts store I see "starter motor". Is that the whole thing, or just part of it? (I'm pretty new to auto repairs, in case you couldn't tell. But I learn fast.)
Call your fav local auto parts store, make sure they have one in stock, pull your old one and drive it down there.
one for comparison make sure it's correct, and two so you don't have to pay the core charge.
Remember to disconnect your batteries negative cable first, then the starter is two bolts, and two wires.
If I remember correctly the bolts are different lengths, so pay attention to where they came out.
Google "Auto Electric" for your area. You can have alternators and starter motors rebuilt for about 1/4 the price of buying new ones.
"You came in that thing?... You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
I'm in a very small town that hasn't got such a place. This particular starter had been rebuilt once already, so I went ahead and ordered a complete starter assembly, a remanufactured Denso unit, and the total cost was $63.25 (plus whatever I'll have to pay for sending back the core). I thought that seemed reasonable enough.Originally Posted by trestlehed
Yes there's a few re builders in my area but my van is my daily driver, so minimal downtime is the key.
Not sure what you're saying "Yes" to... are you agreeing that the price I paid for the part was reasonable?
Another option would be to keep the original starter (instead of returning as a core) and have it rebuilt as a spare. That would really minimize your downtime next time (and there will be a next time — starter contacts wear out; that's the nature of them). It will also likely turn out to be cheaper than shipping back the core AND buying another new starter someday (assuming that's even an option at that point in the future).
Gwen
1985 5-speed window cargo van set up for llama haulin'; 345K ("Trustyvan")
1989 4WD 5-speed DLX; 410K and an odd sense of humor ("Skylervan")
Or maybe I get a spare set of the copper contacts and have those on hand instead of the old starter? Because this van is well on the way to becoming a "parts van".
Keep the original starter! Replace the contacts and the plunger. Use this rebuild kit and you'll be good.
It's a very easy fix, if you can hit it with a rock you and rebuild it yourself haha. I hope this helps and best of luck!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-REPA...=mtr#vi-ilComp
That smells like regular! She needs premium DUDE! PREMIUM!
looking to remove the starter on my 88. looking at it from the bottom not sure how to remove it.
It's essentially two bolts.
One of the bolts holds the shifting cable (automatic transmission) as well, if I'm not mistaken. Then there is a power source cable, and a small black clip.
One disconnected, slide the starter towards the front of the vehicle.
Don't forget to disconnect the battery first!
Is it possible to throw out the timing when installing the starter? I just rebuilt mine, and after installing it the TV runs off. Easy on but sputters under acceleration. I also get backfire in the boot. As if the timing is off or the ignition is acting up.
any advice on the second bolt? I’m not seeing it, only the 14mm you mention that holds the shifting cable…
I found it! For future reference, there are two 14mm bolts that hold this in place. The first, connects the support for the transmission cable. The second, is on top and I found it useful to remove the support for the transmission dipstick to get to it.
As you can see this is an automatic. Toyota in its infinite wisdom decided not to bestow a starter relay onto the automatic vans. I don't know why, and I have never seen it that way before, but I added a relay right next to the starter. I haven't had a "click, no crank" situation ever again. Somehow all of the current to power the solenoid needs to go through the fuse boxes, ignition switch and even a switch on the shifter assembly on these old wires. My wires sometimes just did not transport enough angry pixies to engage the solenoid properly.
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