I have a 87 4runner w/ a 22RE w/ a 5spd. Intermittenly the truck will not start, the starter does not click or attempt to turn over. The only thing it does is click from the ECM. I will tap it and sometimes it cranks, sometimes it does not. I put another EMC from my other 4runner and still does the same thing. Once the truck does start it runs ok. I have checked all my grounds that I could find and they look good. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

i say check you grounds

use a set of jumper cables and go from the battery negative to a ground and see if that makes a difference

 

check the smaller wire on the bottom of the starter case, it might be working itself loose or is filled with crud. That's the wire that controls the solenoid. (the clicking sound you would hear from the starter). This is most likely the cause since you state if you tap it it will start.

Might also be the plunger inside the starter. If it is, it's probably a good time to rebuild it yourself putting in a new plunger and contacts. It's cheap and easy.

If it were the starter contacts or starter relay, you would hear it click without turning.

You can follow this guide to rebuild the starter. A heck of a lot better than spending the money for an inferior rebuilt unit.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

 

Also.....take a peak at the clutch start switch...if I don't keep an eye on my floor-mats....they creep up under the clutch pedal and wont let it engage the switch...keeping it from energizing the starter circuit....

 

haha I had that problem too. the only thing that kept me from mentioning that was the fact he says tapping the starter work. might be a coincidence though.

 

Thank you for the replies. I will try the ground test 1990 yota mentioned and check my clutch switch. To clarify I am not tapping the starter, I am tapping the computer. I know this is where the "click" is coming from. I had someone try and start it, when it would not work and I heard it clearly from the computer. Once again, thanks!

 

search "starter contacts"

all too common with Nippondenso starters

 

u can run a wire from you battery pos. to your solinoid contact and see if it will start that way..

but if i was you i would pull your starter and check your internal contacts... which only cost pennies on the dollar to replace over the entire starter.. which around 100-300.. dollars

i would also grease up the bearing too

 

sounds like you have a typical starter problem try replacing it since if you can tap it and it starts or the wire to the celanoid has something on it

 

no, i just know how to rebuild them.. i've done it for few years now...

 

Got the same problem. Starter relay on the RH side quarter panel. Or hot wire the starter.