3B starter problems

[cruiser_guy]

I replaced the starter contacts and plunger last fall because the starter wasn't engaging. The contacts didn't look that bad but I replaced them anyways since I had the starter out. I saved the old ones for spares.

When the starter engages it goes just fine but the problem is it doesn't always engage.

I'm getting the same problem again now. You can hear the relays click and the solenoid appears to be moving since I see a slight voltage drop on the volt meter but the starter doesn't turn over.

In a few weeks I'll be heading south into the states and Mexico, both diesel 'Cruiser wastelands (total lack of diesel 'Cruiser parts) so I need a permanent solution that is NOT going to fail me.

Anyone have any other ideas or should I just go for a new/rebuilt starter?

 

[nmbuckaroo]

not total waste land. i you break down anywhere near texas i have a few 3b parts. call if you have trouble. i will pm my phone number. Larry

 

[ivanhoe]

hi,
a shot in the dark! check the heavy gauge cable and contacts!!!
hth,

 

[Garry]

Is your cruiser 24 volt? If so, one of your batteries may be a bit low. I had the same trouble on my 60. The low side battery needs a top up charge about every 3 months or so! I don't know why, it just does. I've had the alternator checked and everything is fine. I've read other threads on this subject on here, it just seems to be a 24 volt thing!

 

[Green Lantern]

Send Woody a PM and get a copy of the Cruiser Assistance Club roster.
NMBUCKAROO is in west Texas. I'm just 700 miles away from him in east Texas. Both of us have emergency spares.

The CAC will give you names, numbers and the peace of mind knowing you can call someone that knows what a land cruiser is.

Of course, it's really wise to rebuild flakey stuff, replace all belts and hoses, etc before you leave home. You know the drill.

Happy Trails! N

 

[brownbear]

cruiser_guy, while the plunger(solenoid) is contacting it is possible the brushes for the motor are worn out or on a dead spot.

A good test is taking a hammer and tapping the starter when the starter is engaged. If it turns over it is a bad electric motor. Needs a rebuild. But it may not turn over at all still.

With a long journey ahead I would be temped to get it looked at. Maybe you can find a auto electric shop that doesn't just want to exchange and send you on your way. Ask them to diagnose the problem and fix whats needed. Cause you just spent the money on the contacts. So no need for a complete OH

 

[cruiser_guy]

BJ60's in Canada are dual battery 12v electrics (two batteries in parallel). I carry a complete set of hoses and belts as well as glow plugs and a spare set of injectors and altenator and a few other things.

I'm leaning towards Brownbear's ideas. I'm going to give it a try later today with a tap or two on the starter and see if we get action.

Either way I think it'll be a new starter and I'll take the old starter along and rebuild it in Guatemala for a fraction of the cost up here. Then I've got a spare.

 

[Green Lantern]

Sounds like a plan!
I also carry an extra governor diaphram (leather) and vacuum pump "O" rings. If either fail, you're SOL.
HTH
Happy Trails! N

 

[Fantom]

I was having the same problem with mine, intermitten non-starting, after hitting it a couple of times while trying to start it nothing happened. I would give it a rest for a bit and try again and it would work. I tested the starter every which way and everything was fine, then I replace the ground cables (all of them) with 2/0 welding cable (a bit over kill) but have not had a problem since and the charging system is happier as well.

 

[cruiser_guy]

I may try the ground cable thing. For now I have a fresh rebuilt starter just in case it acts up again.
Of course now that I have a spare starter it probably will never ever fail again!!