Gear Reduction Starter for FJ40, FJ60 (NEW) First Impressions

[edwjmcgrath]

I'm going to predict that having original items-no longer available-that still work will be worth big bucks some day in the future on these trucks. People will want original at all costs and items like points, direct drive starters, original carbs and distributors not made in China, original bumpers, original seats will be at a premium.

That's why I'm keeping all of my original items when I replace them with the newer/modern/more reliable items.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I'm going to predict that having original items-no longer available-that still work will be worth big bucks some day in the future on these trucks. People will want original at all costs and items like points, direct drive starters, original carbs and distributors not made in China, original bumpers, original seats will be at a premium.

That's why I'm keeping all of my original items when I replace them with the newer/modern/more reliable items.

I'm keeping mine too... But, I carry the important originals as spares.

 

[DSRTRDR]

so, I got a used gear reduction starter a while ago from Georg

and all was well for a few months or so . . . until it wasn't

turns out that was an aftermarket starter that had been rebuilt, but they didn't bolt the starter contacts in properly, so they had only a very small contact area - which was so small that there was just enough contact to start the truck cold, but not enough when hot (like after filling up at a gas station, I had to let it cool down )

so, yeah, it was a rebuilt starter, but hopefully not rebuilt by Georg - that said, I got a Denso in there now

not an argument against gear reduction starters as such - more of a tip as to what to look for when something doesn't work with them

 

[mags]

Thanks for the information fellas. And thanks for putting this part out there. My old direct drive starter was taking several turns of the key to engage. Already had this one in the garage thanks to your initial post. Mine went it flawlessly, save for the missing ground strap, it was pretty much plug and play. I will admit I just joined the existing connector to the new one on the starter. I will have to order that actual female connector from Coolerman soon, but I hate to order a single cheap part from him like that, so I will wait a bit until I find some more stuff I want on his page. The 40 starts up quick and reliably, and now it's time to order another one so I have a back up again.

 

[jblatl]

Went Toyota o e m. Fits great, not that expensive, starts better, and it is shiny.

 

[Landpimp]

If I recall, an OEM Reman has -84 after the normal part #

I picked up a Mean Green for a spare, had a sale for $180 shipped a few months back. This way I dont need to use my OEM for a core. have a MG on my 82, can't say it's better than OEM but it's been going 10+ years and it was used when I put it on.

 

[jgeoffr]

Just picked up a re man starter 28100-60070-84 for $84.23 +$30 core charge.

-Geoff

 

[JimmyMac]

Just adding my comments to this late thread to archive it for other early model owners

Just picked up a Re-man Denso GR pn#280-0117 (same as pics in above thread) from intex auto parts for my 3/70 F motor, $88 plus $30 core, other then having to lengthen the WH 10ga wire because of the different stud location as well as the small BY wire to the coil (the spade connector was just long enough to work w/o mods) it was a direct swap.

Worth it...

 

[sggoat]

I think I just bought one LOL! I will wait to install it until my beast starter burns out, but it's nice to know I have one on the shelf that was a good price.

I would put it in now--it'll save a lot of wear on your battery

 

[sggoat]

It sounds like you have more of a fuel problem... Either your fuel pump is not pumping enough pressure (psi) or your fuel filter needs replacing or gas is leaking out of your carb (I'd bet on this one).

After it sits for a few days, BEFORE TRYING TO START IT, check the fuel level in the sight glass on your carb... It's probably empty...

The GRS provides more torque, allowing a properly tuned engine/carb to start faster... But, if you don't have fuel in your sight glass, your pump has to 'catch up'.

HTH

Danny is correct---this is more likely a fuel issue. If you have the oem exhaust mani--it retains a lot of heat-long after the truck is shut down. Temps may climb to >225 degF under the hood(water temps). This does not sit well with the fuel in the float bowl of the carb(that's why some were equipped with carb cooling fans)--the fuel simply evaporates-now you need to grind the engine over many times to get the fuel pump to put enough fuel into the carb so it can get pushed into the engine to start.
There are several solutions to this problem
Carb cooling fan(<$100)
Headers(much cooler, more expensive, but you gain more than the cooler underhood temps)
A parallel electric fuel pump(<$100 including install)(turn it on for 5-10 seconds before trying to start--once running, shut it off and let the mech pump provide the fuel)
I have had all of these--the cooling fan has been removed(don't need it now that I have the headers and a bypass elec pp.--all the starting issues have gone away-even if the truck sits idle in the driveway for a week or so.

 

[N919HJ]

That's a great price on a OEM re-maned starter. I paid way more.

Just picked up a re man starter 28100-60070-84 for $84.23 +$30 core charge.

-Geoff

 

[Spike Strip]

Today I received my new Gear Reduction starter which I purchased through AMAZON Rareelectrical.
The GR starter was listed for $95, however, I paid $82 shipped with some Amazon discounts. Amazon sells this unit with no core charges and free shipping, they currently have (8) eight in stock.
(No Affiliation)

http://www.amazon.com/STARTER-MOTOR-TOYOTA-CRUISER-028000-8220/dp/B007CA8JWM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421452544&sr=8-1-fkmr0er&keywords=toyota+land+cruiser+FJ60+Bosch+Gear+Reduction+Starter

Pending

@78fj40mg --- So, how has this starter held up?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@78fj40mg --- So, how has this starter held up?

Mike has been absent since Mar 2017... a couple of us have tried to reach him by personal email and phone... no luck.

I run a used FJ60 GR starter (from Georg... @orangefj45)... I’ve been running it for 3+ years and am completely pleased with it.

 

[Casey E]

Georg gave me one years ago and have had zero issues. One of the most cost effective upgrades for an early motor.

 

[David70FJ40]

I also purchased a GR starter last year when the rebuilt started gave up the ghost after less than a year. JT Outfitters was the only location close by that had a starter that would fit. Didn't have to make any modifications to the bolt holes, went ahead and spent the $'s for new cables, made sure all the contact points were clean and installed the starter. Smaller and easier to install, it has worked flawlessly since. Good money spent!

Forgot; F engine 3/70 build date.

 

[MJM]

FYI as of 8/30/18 the amazon starter from Rareelectrical is not the one pictured is it now 16828N.
You can buy this same one from Autozone for less than $70. It is a piece of junk. In a pinch I bought the Autozone one and now after replacing it 3 times in 6 months with warranty I bought the amazon unit. I was disappointed to see it is the same one Autozone sells.
Time to return it and get another.

 

[Hamachi]

FYI as of 8/30/18 the amazon starter from Rareelectrical is not the one pictured is it now 16828N.
You can buy this same one from Autozone for less than $70. It is a piece of junk. In a pinch I bought the Autozone one and now after replacing it 3 times in 6 months with warranty I bought the amazon unit. I was disappointed to see it is the same one Autozone sells.
Time to return it and get another.

I know this is an old thread, but who has the best deals nowadays?

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

I know this is an old thread, but who has the best deals nowadays?

I got mine from amazon. Bolted right up.

 

[JayDoc]

I got mine from amazon. Bolted right up.

View attachment 2346857

Just bought one too based on this thread. Thanks everyone.

 

[kerplunk]

My old starter worked fine, but something I read convinced me to upgrade anyways.
I purchased something that came in a box that looks like the picture to original poster attached. (it was several years ago).
And, forgot why I was buying a new starter and let it sit.
Until last month, finally installed it.
First, the bolts holding the starter in were not JIS, probably replaced by a previous owner, and had little to no clearance on the old starter and were challenging to remove. But fit the new GR starter great, no problem getting a box wrench or socket around them.
Then, starting. Wow. First impression was that it sounded like it was on a mission for sure!!!
As I've grown used to it, it starts cold much easier, what used to take 2-3 10 second grinds on the starter is now 1 3 second grind...
Last week I pulled the gas tank (replace the gauge sender, try and "fix" the venting, and repaint the floor). Replacing all the rubber fuel lines and a new filter, the starter had the fuel pump fill it all up and fire within 10 seconds.