Ok I'm sure the first thing everyone is going to say is it's the starter contacts but I want to throw in some more info first.

I've been having some starting issues lately. It will either click, turn over a revolution or two and stop, or start right up. The fact that it will turn over and then stop has me wondering. I've already cleaned up and reworked my battery terminals (the looked like crap so I thought that was the problem). I don't think it would be the wiring to the relay because it clicks like the starter just isn't getting enough power. Is that right?

It also seems to start right up when it's warm to. Usually no clicking or one or two turns. This seems kind of weird.

Anyways, I just wanted to bounce this off you guys before I go buy parts and take the starter off. Hell I think I'll even make it a poll.

So what do you think?

1. Starter contacts
2. Bad connection
3. Demonic possession - You know you want to sell the truck anyways.

Any other ideas are appreciated.

Thanks

 

Bad connection. Had a similar issue lately, and I just changed my contacts 3 months ago. So, I focused on the battery. Turns out it was getting weak AND it was still under warranty...back you go...no more problem. Although, I think the battery was a victim of over-charging.

 

Battery? Main altenator lead cable corroded??

 

Just fixed mine this morning. My mechanic took mine off and tore it down. It was green and white inside and the contacts were so dirty it was unreal. He just laughed because he knows the places I go. After cleaning it all up so it looked like new he put it back together and it works like a new one. Saved me a bundle of money. Mike

 

Anyone else have any other ideas? What no demonic possession?

C'mon guys.

 

Yep, It's the dirt and corrosion devil! It will get you every time.

 

The problem is getting worse.

So I checked power to the starter and got 12.4 volts. Sounds good to me. I also unplugged and plugged in my ground connector and checked the ground wiring up at the battery and found no apparent bad connections.

I guess the problem is my contacts. I'll be ordering parts next week.

Any other ideas?

 

Its the contacts. that is exactly what my truck was doing. And i mean exactly. oyeah have fun getting that starter off.

 

When you measures 12.4 volts, where was that at and under what conditions? Ideally you want to measure at the small starter solenoid control wire when you are cranking the starter. If that voltage is more that 0.5 volts less than the battery voltage, then the problem is upstream from the starter. If it is within 0.5 volts of the battery, then it is a problem in the starter or the connections to it.

Pull the starter out and have a look inside. It will be visibly obvious what the problem is if it is the contacts. It may just be dirt or corroded wiring connections, too. Again will be visibly obvious when you take it out for a look. No real mystery to it:

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

 

Thanks for the great info Roger. I replaced my contacts yesterday and now she starts every time. One contact only had about 30% of the copper left. It was kind of a PITA to do but I didn't run into any problems. It only took a couple hours too (and a busted finger ).

Thanks guys.

 

Yep, usually only one contact gets most of the wear. But at least you still have the good old stock starter still in there instead of an unknown quality rebuilt unit.

 

gremelins eat copper slowly though.

 

Demonic possesion here. My starter did the dreaded "click...Click...click". So I pull the starter, check the contacts, sure enough they're toast. New contacts, a handle full of curse's and she's back in there. Guess what..."click...Click...click". Out she goes again, remove the new contacts, put the old contacts back in, off tothe autoparts store, grab a new starter. Repaeat the process and guess what..."click...Click...click".

So I test the battery, 12.48v, test the battery while cranking, 12.37v. Test the power to the starter, 12.44v, test the lead in power line while cranking, 12.33v. Check the battery lines, all look good. Double check the ground, nice and secure. I try this in the morning while cool, and again in the middle of 100+ degree heat..."click...Click...click".

So I resort to the next level of my mechanical skills. I hit the starter with a hammer a few times..."click...Click...click". Now I have my bro crank her over while I'm hitting her with the hammer...."click...Click...click".

Next step...Return the strater, try again. What's that ol' saying about insanity. "Trying the same thing over and over again but expecting different results". Living proof right here.

What did I learn:
Well I can now remove the 3.0 PITA starter in under 10minutes and get her back in there in almost the same time frame with Downey headers blocking the side wheel well access and resecuring the motor mount I had to undo to get to her, (Thanks Roger for the help ). I'm now 3 days into this task and found out that the night before I started this I put a nice Hairline fracture across 3 of my ribs and bruised my pectoral muscle. Now I still don't have my truck running. My ribs are killing me, and tomorrow I'll be back at it.

MY VOTE :
DEMONIC POSSESSION but I do not wish to sell her.

Sorry for the rant and semi-hijack

-=Morphine=-

 

i think i was talking to rb before and he said the way the toyota system works is wierd... that installing a external real starter solenoid was a good idea... might want to look into something like that

 

Woo! Go resurection of old polls....

:-/