Hey guys,

I believe my starter has a bad spot in it, and I think its getting worse because I have to turn over the ignition about 10 times before it starts up.

But Ive got a few questions... What is the difference between the 93-94 3vze starters? Because I dont know which one I have. My title states that my 4runner is a 94, but then I look in the door jam and it shows that it was manufactured in 10/93.

Im really hoping that its a 93 becuase the starter is only $75 compared to $150 for the 94.

Also, what all do you have to do to remove the starter. It looks like its going to be a bitch to get out since its right under the exhaust manifold and all of those vacuum hoses on top. And there looks to be no easy way to get it out.

Thanks for your help!
Austin

 

You are correct. The starter is an absolute witch's tit to replace. No way around it that I know of. I replaced one of mine not too long ago. I don't recall if there was a trick to it. I know I had the wheel off and and was able to work some from that angle but also had to go at it from below and from above. Seems like there was one bolt in particular that gave me fits. Lots of universal joints and ratchet extensions involved. The vacuum lines really get in the way.

Those hoses used to intimidate me but these days I don't hesitate to pull everyone of them off. What has helped me in this regard is I grab a couple of sheets of Avery mail labels and write very large numbers on each end of twenty or so labels. I then afix a label to each vacuum hose ensuring it makes it all the way around the hose so that the sticky side meets itself, ensuring the label is afixed to itself vs. the dirty hose which it will not not hold fast to. I then make sure all the numbers are clearly visible at one angle or another and I use a digital camera to take lots of pictures...both before I start pulling the hoses and also at several stages as I disconnect the hoses. Once I have all the hoses disconnected, I print the pictures out and have them on hand when it comes time to reconnect the hoses. It takes all the mystery out of the process of ensuring all the hoses get hooked back up properly when the job is done and, as such, I don't hesitate to get the damn thinigs out of the way whenever I need to work on that side of the motor and/or pull the plenum.

 

oh i had fun swaping out my starter lol. jack up the car, put on jack stands safely, then remove the passenger side tire. then in the wheel well theres a small panel that is held on by about 5 bolts i think, remove it to give you more room to work, then dont forget to disconnect the battery. then remove the heat shield from the exhaust manifold. that gives you a good enough space to squeeze the starter past the upper control arm. remove the two connections, the unbolt the two bolts and poof ur starter is out! extensions will be your friend in removing it.

ok but your truck is a 94. 94 cars and trucks are usually made the last couple months of the previous year. i think the motor is still the same tho. from 90-94 im pretty sure the 3vze was the same, im not sure about that tho, goodluck

 

Wait, by 'turn over' you mean 'turn the key', or the engine 'turns over' by the starter? I'm assuming the former.

You hear the click of the solenoid?

Lots of recent threads about the contacts going bad on the starters:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ct-fix-193101/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ng-bad-210922/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...starts-195756/

I love google.

 

Wow thanks alot for the threads! I didnt know that this was a common problem. Im going to try to replace my starter soleniod contacts and see if that helps, if not it looks like ill be checking up on that starter relay thing.

Thanks for your help guys! I guess I should have searched for this "clicking noise" but had no idea that it was this common!

Austin