4runner starter

I accidently posted this as a reply to another thread but wanted it to get out to everybody. Starters don't last very long in my truck. I bought the contacts from off road products and installed them in the starter but still get the same problem. Works great for a while and then quits. I hear a clicking noise from the dashboard on the right side and when I pulled it there is a console there with a breaker and two relays. I can't get the relays out but are they the problem? I have a good battery and new cables.

Thanks for any help.

Reply 1 : 4runner starter

What year?

What engine?

Does the starter motor run/turn?

If it doesn't run does it click?

Which contacts did you replace, the solenoid or the motor (brushes)?

Reply 2 : 4runner starter

Sorry,1990, v6. a/t, 4wd

Starter does not turn. Doesn't click. Solenoid contacts replaced with contacts from off road products. Hadn't started in a day so I took a 3' pipe and put against the starter body and hit the pipe with a hammer. Started right up. Started again after I ran an errand and turned it off. Have installed, maybe, 5 starters. All do the same. Start perfect for a while and then begin to not start. Can turn the ignition switch several times at first and get going then it takes more and more.

Reply 3 : 4runner starter

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmccook Sorry,1990, v6. a/t, 4wd Hadn't started in a day so I took a 3' pipe and put against the starter body and hit the pipe with a hammer. Started right up. Started again after I ran an errand and turned it off. Have installed, maybe, 5 starters. All do the same.

Striking PM (permanent magnet) starter bodies is one of the best ways to destroy the starter. Permanent magnets when strongly struck, or exposed to too much heat, lose a significant amount of their magnetic field.. Toyota and other factory service manuals warn against this..



Once the magnetic field has been weakened, you then burn up the starter armature windings due to excessive current caused by the weakened magnetic field.



http://www.genco1.com/tech_tip_details.cfm?id=87



re: How to cause premature starter failure.. item 14.



14. Hitting a Permanent Magnet Starter with a hammer



If you've ruled out starter contact problems, then are you running headers on the engine? with no heat shielding between the headers and the starter?



6. Modifying the exhaust system - Adding headers or relocating exhaust pipes can overheat the starter



Are you buying after market rebuilt starters from the nationwide stores beginning with the letter "A" (there are 2).. Many reports in other off road forums of these starters not lasting.. Toyota dealers sell remanufactured starters (with the logo "Toyota remanufactured part") sourced from quality controlled rebuilders that are good quality, and reasonably priced..

Reply 4 : 4runner starter

I take it you have the 22RE?



If you have to hit the PM with a pipe, then your starter is well on its way out. You could spend the time and money on a rebuild kit....or just grab one out of a junk yard for only a few dollars. Any starter from the 22RE family from 1985-1996 will work.



The third option is you can get a brand new one for an arm and a leg from your local autoparts supplier.