Ok this is a total newb question... but I need to replace my starter and to do that I need to actually locate my starter on my truck. I pulled up the FSM and I just wanted to make sure I'm gettint this straight...

This link to the FSM calls the starter a "Ignition coil w/ igniter".
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995...e/descript.pdf

Just wanted to make sure that it the same thing as my starter. I've heard it's a PITA to replace on my year/engine and am even considering having my mechanic do it... but I need to save some money so I'll probably attempt it myself.

 

uh??? no that is your "Ignition coil w/Ingnitor" your starter is down by your bellhousing.(under the truck) The starter turns the flywheel, it doesn't ignite anything per say.

 

Ok thanks.. Someone had toldme that it was right behind my drivers side tire and when I saw this page on the FSM I thought it might be it - but it had me confused.

I'll keep lookin.

 

what did your starter do when it fried? Most toyota starters just need new contacts and work great after replacing them. Unfortunately you still have to remove the starter to change them. Speaking of which I have a 3.0 starter laying around gathering dust that I put new contacts in and it cranked great before I yanked the engine if you need one.

 

Well I put the key in and I've got power to cd player and interior lights etc... Then I turn they key and I hear a click and no turnover. I try again and it will take anywhere from 2 to a hundred tries but it will start... but I have to give it a lot of gas. Then out comes some smoke from the tailpipe for about 10 seconds and then it runs fine.

I will consider your offer for the starter... what are you asking for it?

 

That sounds like the contact issue. Not counting the smoke of course! That clicking is what mine did and it slowly got worse and worse (as far as me thinking it's not gonna crank it this time!!) and then when it actually caught it would start great. After replacing the contacts it worked great. I'll let the starter go for $55 shipped to your door if you want, pm me about it.

 

X2 on the solenoid contacts, easy to fix:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml