Hello all, I have a 1986 Toyota pickup 4X4. The starter went over the weekend so I bought a new one and put it in. The new starter worked great the truck started right up no problems. I let the truck run for 20 minutes to heat up and when I went to get in it I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. After turning off the truck and checking for where the smoke was coming from I touched the starter and nearly cooked my fingers. Now I know where the smoke was coming from and I have 3 burnt fingers... What would cause the starter to cook like that? Thanks for any help.

Jon

 

a short from a bad reman job? Where'd you get it from?

 

yea, something had to be wrong with it. It sounds like it must have never retracted and the flywheel was turning the starter gears. I don't think just electric current could have gotten it that hot. Then again, it might have. Either way I doubt it was your fault since there's only 2 wires to hook up.

 

Took that starter out, man that thing was fried. Took the power wire and terminal with it when it cooked, aswell. Now I just have to wait for the new one to come in tomorrow. Is there anything else I should check for damage?

Thanks,
Jon

 

I think theres a starter fuse. I'd check it to see if it might have blown.

 

It sounds like somehow the starter was on the whole time (starter switch?). As far as the flywheel turning the starter gears, starters have an over-running clutch that should prevent this problem. If the flywheel turned the starter gear, the starter motor itself wouldn't turn because of the clutch, which means neither the power wire or motor would heat up. The first set of gears in the starter gearbox would heat up but thats it.

I use Toyota gear reduction starters in my electric go kart, so I do have some experience with taking them apart and rebuilding them

By the way, this is a good document for learning about starter components and wiring systems: http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h7.pdf