I've read the threads about starting issues and mine is similar but different.
Mine is this:
I turn the key, the lights come on but there isn't any sound, no clicking. If someone gently taps the starter just once or twice it starts immediately without hesitation. It's been my experience that it will eventually start if I keep trying but I've done this a couple of times for as long as 10 days.

This is completely unpredictable. It might do it the next time I turn the key and it might not do it for 6 months.

I replaced the starter and drove it about 100 miles and it refused to start. Same problem. The battery is new but that's not the issue.

This is a 1987 Toyota efi truck.

Anyone experienced this? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

The fact that tapping the starter will permit it to crank, really points to the starter itself as the problem.

Many rebuilt starters are crap; is your rebuilt a genuine Denso unit, or some other aftermarket maker??

Sounds like either the starter solenoid is sticking, or not pulling in strongly enough to make the main motor contacts, or the starter motor brushes are not contacting the commutator properly.

 

Mine is (was) an auto, but Rad's thread that I link to has a lot of info about the wiring for a manual.

Long story short, the ignition wire is pulling too much current by default and eventually can't supply enough to get the starter solenoid to pop. It puts stress on all the connections feeding the circuit. Ignition, neutral start switch, clutch start switch, etc. People replace all of those things and may get an improvement, but it'll come back eventually because the design is just poor.

Tapping the starter can get it to start, leaving you thinking the starter is bad.

I installed a starter relay nearly a year ago, and the problem went away. I also replaced the ignition switch, but I left the NSS because it's expensive and I planned a manual swap that eliminates it.

Anyway, this is my thread that links to two other great threads on the subject.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classi...ml#post2067609

 

the fact that you can tap the starter to get it to start means the starter is probably fine, and didn't need to be replaced. it is more likely a solenoid/plunger issue, and could also be caused by the poor electrical circuit implementation by toyota, with too much current flowing through the key switch etc., burning the contacts.

RAD4runner's thread is a very good place to start, and learn, about the electrical system, and needed upgrades, of these 4runners.

wally