This past weekend my starter conked out on my 88 stick 4runner up in the mountains. I eventually had to hitch a ride home, but not before trying to clutch start it like 12 times, roughing up the gears/clutch (maybe 4wd) up kinda bad. I got the new starter and am heading up to instal it this friday... but afraid that I might've messed something else up while trying to clutch start. By the end of my efforts, I felt zero engine catch while in 2nd gear and releasing the clutch. Any thoughts as to what I might've done? I was trying to start it in 4wd for a bit, then 2wd, nothing worked b/c starter was too far gone.

Thanks,

eC

 

you don't need the starter at all to do a rolling start. you just leave the key in the on position, get it rolling in neutral, and then pop the clutch while in 2nd (most computer controlled engines will only do it in 2nd).

Not sure what you might have done to make the clutch not even engage properly anymore.

 

are you having toruble getting into gear? I'm going to need more info. can you get into 1st 3rd 5th? anyother gears giving you trouble? noises?
that aside. check fluid levels in your clutch. (clear fluid near the pedal, low fluid in resevoir. etc etc.) also check the tranny and the transfer case while your down there. it could be a clutch issue or like mine about a year ago a tranny issue with the synchros.
-Dave

 

By 'clutch start' you mean roll start, right? I have noticed that all the Toyotas that I have roll started before needed plenty of speed to turn the engine when the clutch is engaged. I doubt you messed anything up by trying to roll start it.

 

If I could Id start it like that all the time just to save wear on the starter. 2nd or 3rd works best for me, or reverse if you're going backward. I doubt you messed up anythin in the transmission.....

 

Tell us your procedure for rolling start... What gear, what speed, etc?

 

Anytime i'm on any hill, I don't ever engage the starter..........I don't see how you could of hurt anything unless you trying to force it in gear without cluthin while it was rolling?

 

It'd be a little hard on things if you were trying to start the truck in 1st or in the low range. It's a bit of a strain on the driveline. I doubt if it would have much impact on the clutch, however..

 

If it ever happens again, give that starter a couple whacks with somethin' heavy. Emergencies only of course. Swear to God it's got me home more times than I can count. I'm guessin' 2nd gear synchro.