I am going to be putting starter contacts in my truck. It's a 1996 Toyota T100 with a 3.4 engine. I went to the dealer and purchased the starter contacts. While there, the salesman tried to sell me the plunger as well. I told him that I didn't need it. The starter is currently working just fine but since the vehicle has 148000 miles on it, I'm sure it will start clicking any day now!

So, I have not opened the starter up yet. But, I have to go back to the dealer to pick up another part and wonder if I should purchase the plunger as well.

Thanks!!

Geez, I had about 200K or so on my starter before it died in my '86 Toy. Ask them what their return policy is; it might be a 10% restocking fee. If it's under $20, go ahead and pick it up. Your money; your call. I just use some emory cloth on mine and clean it up.

Take the starter by NAPA or the like and do a bench check on it once you're finished before putting it back on the rig. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

The plunger certainly pits and corrodes like the contacts. Heck, it's the other side of the single contact. But, it's a big mass thing, and pretty easily dressed and reused. I would not go and buy one preventatively. Just clean yours with some emery cloth and that should do it.

I've replaced a handful of contacts on different trucks over the years, but none of the plungers ever needed replacing. Just cleaned the contact area on it up a bit.

Thanks for the info!!

I won't bother replacing it then.

Thanks again!!

Thanks!

It was about $35 IIRC.

Since yer gonna be there fer the contacts, just pick up some replacement brushes fer yer alternator, too! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Did purchase the brushes for the alternator and changed them. Took me about 30 mins to replace the ones in the alternator. The ones still in there looked about 1/2 way worn or just a little more. However, the comutator had ridges worn into it. I cleaned it up with some emery cloth, replaced the brushes, and reinstalled it. Worked great. Didn't actually test the before and after charging voltage but the gauge on the dash is running higher than before.

Right on; thanks for following up on your stuff. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Just did the alternator brushes and starter contacts myself. Probably the best $30 in PM I've ever spent. With 244k on the original alternator, the brushes were 80% gone.

While you have the starter off - it's a good opportunity to inspect your flex plate for cracks.