We have been working on a 1990 Toyota, V6 automatic, 2wd pickup for a friend of ours. This truck came to us with sporadic starting and we figured it was the starter needing to be replaced. We have went through three different starters, checked all fuses, replaced the battery and all posts, cables, grounds, etc. We have cleaned all connections and the starters have all tested fine. We are stumped and need some advice! It doesn't seem to matter if its cold or warm, it doesn't start about every 10th try. The Solenoid engages, so the switch side is working but we don't know what else to try! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

The flywheel may not be allowing the starter gear to engage at a certain spot.

 

Most likely the relay switch, OR the ignition switch is going bad.

Does it just do the "click"? I hope you didn't turn in your original DENSO starter; they last forever if you'll just replace the copper contacts ($20 or less).

 

X2 on that.

OP if it is indeed the relay and/or ignition switch I'd like to recommend the Hot Shot kit from Summit. went through the same process you have been through on my 22re, only I did in fact turn in my Denso starter, only to realize after replacing a lot of things to include the ignition switch that I should have just saved time and money and bought the HS kit.

 

We had the same problem with my sons 1990 P/U.I saw a thread about installing a relay for the starter solinoid.I bought a 30 amp relay from the local parts store with the standard four poles.After installing,the truck has started every time.It basicly sends 12 volts from the battery to the starter solinoid,and is triggered by the original wire that would be going to the solinoid.It worked for me.Cheap and effective fix.

 

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#OtherOptions