Man, that was a tough removal, lots of stuff to unbolt and move around. I unbolted and removed the trans dipstick, a brake line coil thing, heat shield, etc...tight tight removal. My 6 point sockets were inferior for the two starter bolts removal with so little space to work with, 12 point sockets were the choice.

My starter is out and the contacts are toast. Also, the brass ring that spins with the contacts is badly pitted, can I replace that too? One casualty was the plastic wire connector on the side of the starter was broken off <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> looks like a new one can be soldered back into place

Should I get a new rebuilt starter or piece this one back together?

--Hugh

Our '00 3.4's starter was giving us problems a while ago. Yes it was a PITA to remove also. What I did was use electrical parts cleaner to clean everything up, even the brushes came back etc. to shiny life. Put it back together and to this day no problems. I find starters for it very expensive anywhere you go.. Autozone napa etc. So I'd give a good cleaning, maybe run some sand paper over the contacts and stuff clean it up and then put it back together.

Yes, you can replace the contacts AND THE PLUNGER!

We have an old electrical shop in the county that stocks Denso contact/plunger kits... $18.00!

Thanks for the response, I'll try getting some parts today.

--Hugh <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

No parts today, I went surfing morning and afternoon instead <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I called my local Stealership...$290 for a rebuilt starter! That is a total rip off.

Rebuilding my own starter is best,

Hugh

I bought a remanufactured starter for $150 (100% new inards, assembled in Mexico). Popped that baby in and started up the 4Runner <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I was totally stoked on Adam Fertig's article www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/ For my install/removal, I needed to also remove the top half of the transmission dipstick, unbolt and push out of the way the coil brake line in addition to removing the heat shield. Then, squeezing the starter by the exhaust manifold was a bear, only possible with the starter teeth facing the ground and the solenold facing the rear of the 4Runner. I was forcing it when I broke the plastic connection off the old one. Also helps to have an extra pair of hands and eyes to guide the starter back into bolting position. 12 point sockets were required...how did I get by for so many years with 6 point?

This wasn't an easy job for me, but I knew that it would be worth it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> I'm sure that I will have other cars in need sooner or later.

Thanks for the encouragement,

Hugh <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I have a 2000 4-runner that is starting what seems like when it whants to. I am hearing the click of the starter... but no start. I have checked all the various components of the system (Battery, alternator, electrical to the starter) and every thing is in the green. Could I be having a problem with a worn plunger inside of the starter solenoid? If so... Whats the part number for the rebuild if anyone knows it? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Glad I could help! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Back to the top...My new starter is acting up now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Before I go removing it for a bench test, what else can I check to see if there is something else going on?

Seems unlikely that the new one is defective, so I need to rule out other possible causes.

Thanks in advance,

Hugh <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />

whats the exact problem hugh? there were two different starters for the 4runners you may have gotten the wrong one?


(to the post above his)
The contacts are to culprit 9 out of 10 times and they are only about 5-10 dollars if you want the plunger the total might be 20.

you need to pull the starter out and take the contacts in to match them up.

also removing the sway makes life a lot easier!