91 Land Cruiser Starter Failing (4 Viewers)

[Demonic92]

Hey all,
I know this has probably been covered on here before so I truly apologize in advance, but I just want to make sure I'm approaching this the right way.

My 91 (now with 274k miles) has had intermittent starting issues going back to about 2021. I've always been able to fix it by having someone else turn the key while I hit the starter with a hammer, so this obviously points to something wrong with the starter. I have full service records back to 1991 and it has never been replaced/rebuilt before. Recently the problem has been getting more consistent, with it maybe happening every 5-10 starts, and sometimes when I'll turn the key it takes multiple seconds for anything to happen, which I assume is related to the same issue.

If someone can confirm that this is in fact the starter and not something I haven't thought of, would the rebuild kit fix this kind of issue? Is the rebuild kit still available? Or should I drain my wallet and just replace the starter entirely? I want to keep everything OEM Toyota parts and I assume the OEM starter is not available anymore. The only factor I guess is if the rebuild kit will solve this problem I'm having.

Appreciate any wisdom, and also any trash-talking as this has probably been asked before. Thanks in advance

 

[robnicko]

just put a new set of brushes / plunger in it and youll be fine
it sounds like the plunger is sticking plus if original the contacts would likely be in need of a refresh
its a very simple job

 

[Demonic92]

just put a new set of brushes / plunger in it and youll be fine
it sounds like the plunger is sticking plus if original the contacts would likely be in need of a refresh
its a very simple job

Okay cool. So will need brushes, plunger, and contacts? Or do the contacts just get cleaned?

Does anyone know the part numbers for this stuff?

 

[robnicko]

Just get a rebuild kit from either Toyota / auto elec or Ebay, its likely a Denso starter

 

[Demonic92]

Just get a rebuild kit from either Toyota / auto elec or Ebay, its likely a Denso starter

I just have to confirm which starter I have right? Since there were a few versions for the 80. And then buy the correct rebuild kit for it?

 

[Kernal]

Go to Partsouq dot com, type in your VIN, that will bring up the parts diagrams for your entire vehicle. Then start searching,
easiest method is to click on Search, then type in Starter, then click on the diagram, then look at the parts. The rebuild kits however may not
be listed but it will get you in the ballpark.

Or, go to any online Toyota parts dealer and search for Starter.

Here's one link, a completely re-manufactured Toyota starter for a 1991 FJ80 is not that much more than the cost of the two rebuild kits
you need. However those kits would only replace the contacts, plunger, and a few other small parts. The bearings, armature, brushes
are not included in the rebuild kits. There are other components inside a starter that can wear ie: the clutch, pinion gear, etc.

https://toyotaparts.ourismantoyotaofrichmond.com/oem-parts/toyota-starter-remanufactured-281006007084?c=bD0xJm49U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHMmYT10b3lvdGEmbz1sYW5kLWNydWlzZXImeT0xOTkxJnQ9YmFzZSZlPTQtMGwtbDYtZ2Fz

 

[COS80]

Search my click/no start thread. I think the contact p/ns are in there.

I recommend you do this yourself and dont buy a rebuilt. I was disappointed to find that my start was rebuilt, was I got it out, and the reason the contacts were shot was because the rebuilder skipped the steps in the FSM to seat the contacts. This was abundantly clear by the unneveness of wear. It wasn't even hard to do.