Ran my truck (1993 extended cab 22RE 75K miles) across county loaded to the brim and towing a 4X8 utility trailer (NY to UT). Truck did great! Stiff springs in the back didn't even show the load. I did get 14-19 mpgs. Had some crazy head winds in Wyoming and was only able to go 50 mph - that sucked a bit. She's a dog on the mountain passes. Now that she's in utah, and without a cap, I got 21.5 mpg - personal best - and that mileage included snowmobile towing and plenty of around town driving. I was shocked. Jeeze, I didn't even give the 2.5% correction for my tires. (Summer gas in effect yet?)

I digress.

Now she has started to complain. When I go to start after she's been sitting over night, I turn the key and nothing, just a quiet click. Just like the battery is dead dead dead, or I don't have the clutch down far enough. I turn the key to off and try again and it starts up absolutely like normal. I'm going under the hood tomorrow morning to adjust timing and valves given my new elevation. Anyone suggest what I can look for? I haven't even opened to hood yet. Thanks.



My brother's rig (1985 Chevy 350, 700 R4 Trans, Sky Jacker 3" Lift) - bad a hell! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />


http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/1/web/349000-349999/349873_5_full.jpg

Sounds like the first hint that the starter contacts are starting to go.
Just make sure your + and - battery and starter wires are secure and have good contact before tearing into the starter.
It's not hard to change the contacts - once the starter is out.
It's getting the starter out that's the PITA <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />
Hope this helps,
Todd

To add to Elbow Grease's reply, go here to the tech archive <a href="http:/www.off-road.com/toyota" target="_blank">HERE</a> for replacing the starter contacts. I get mine at an automotive rebuilder's place. Our dealer sends their stuff to them anyway. $7 and an afternoon, you're all set.

Glad you had a decent crosscountry! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

It sounds like you might need to adjust the clutch cancel switch if you think its related to how far down you press the clutch. If that seems OK, then you can pull the starter and have a look at the contacts inside the solenoid.

Usually if its worn solenoid contacts, you'll hear the loud clicking of the solenoid plunger pulling in but not making contact, vs. the quieter clicking of the circuit opening (or some other internal) relay clicking on when you turn the key.

In my case, I had the latter case (contacts were replaced a few years ago and still in good shape), I added a relay between the ignition switch and solenoid and now the starter cranks every time I turn the key.

I'm going out to the garage shortly. I'll run through all the basics today, without pulling the starter. I don't think I was clear in pointing out that when the problem occurs there is a single, not-to-loud, click once I turn the key - then nothing. 4crawler's great Cheap Toyota Starter Repair text seems to want either slower starter turning (which I don't have) or a loud click when trying to start and then no start ever? (which I sort of have - but my vehicle start perfectly on the second try) Trying to avoid pulling the starter, I guess!

Thanks.

One more pic of bro's engine (not the subject of the start problem).

i would almost guarantee its the starter, my 88 v6 started clicking like that a few months ago, turn the key and click, no start

turn the key back and try again and it would start right up, did this for a few days then it wouldnt start at all... put a new starter in(didnt know about the $7 fix) and all better.


whats your brother get for gas mileage? 10?

Try hooking a voltmeter to the solenoid control wire (the small wire) and see what the voltage is when you get the first click then when it starts. If you don't get any (or very low) voltage when it won't start, then there is a problem between the starter and the ignition switch. If you get good voltage at the starter in both cases, then the problem is in the starter (solenoid).

The contacts are on order from 4crawlers site. I believe the contacts will be a fix. Thanks all. I will report what I find.

Answer to mpg Q for Chevy 350: Bro's ride currently gets around 12-13mpg. He's going to change over to fuel injection and other mods (dunno what) and thinks he will be able to average 18mpg or so with 250+ horse <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />.