How to start w/o starter motor...

[Live to Ski]

Lurking over here from my current home in the 60 world. Thinking of a 100....

So, how do you guys/gals handle starter failures/dead battery in the wild?

Currently have the fj60 and have used bump start when battery hung out to dry deep in Ariz strip. Seeing how the 100's are auto tranny's, what do you do?

 

[Output Shaft]

Micro Start XP 10

& bring a spare starter...or replace it if it's old so you don't have to bring a spare.

Starters generally let you know when their time of doom is coming.

 

[Mike6158]

Your question reminded me of a story... Back in the late 80's / early 90's I worked in the suit and tie world in downtown Denver. I was a little smitten by one of the gals that worked in our office building. It was mutual smitten-ness I was waiting for traffic to clear a little before I walked to the parking garage and headed home one evening when my office phone rang. The gal had called and asked if I could come help her because her battery had died and her car wouldn't start. She was on the 10th level (maybe higher). I made my way to the garage, looked over the little car that she drove, and decided that we would try the bump start trick. So I coached her about when to pop the clutch and proceeded to push her car down the parking lot ramp. Soon I yell "POP THE CLUTCH!!"... nothing... I get her to stop and politely explained that when I yell "Pop the Clutch!" she is to let out on the clutch. She says ok and I walk to the back of the care and start pushing, she makes the turns, I yell "POP THE CLUTCH"... nothing... This went on all of the way to the bottom so I'm pretty much exhausted by the time we get down to the bottom and the car still hasn't started or even "bumped". She rolled into a lower level parking spot. Pushing a car down 10 floors of parking garage wearing a suit and cowboy boots was a good workout but I don't recommend it.

We talked for a while as we waited for the tow truck and I just happened to look inside the car and see PRNDL on the console. Automatic transmission... In my defense she was wearing a short skirt so I'm positive that I looked in... but I didn't pay attention to the mechanics of the car I asked her why she didn't tell me it was an automatic. She simply said that she didn't know what pop the clutch meant and she didn't want to sound dumb by asking. I don't know what I said... something comforting. It wasn't her fault that I was a dumbass. We went to dinner and continued to date until I eventually moved back to Texas. She got married, reproduced, etc. Someone got a good woman.

So yeah... if you see someone in the backcountry, pushing a Landcruiser and yelling "Pop the Clutch!!", it ain't me this time

 

[DFXR]

If you're thinking of replacing the starter on a 100 in the field... it is deep in the V, unfortunately, and not hanging off the side of the block waiting for a nice hammer tap like on the 60. The good news is that a dying starter on a 100 will start telling you it's going a little while before it sh*ts completely, with an occasional "click..nothing" that gets more frequent over a few weeks.

I say this after very recent experience. I got my first "click" on a cold morning, on a remote trail, a couple hours from any kind of help. Wife and 2 year old along with me. It started on the next try, but put the fear into me. Got a new one soon after the trip.

I can complain about the placement of the starter (Toyota mechanics certainly do), but on the other hand, the old one went for 188K miles.

But don't let any of this stop you from getting a 100... you'll love it.

 

[re_guderian]

Micro Start XP 10

View attachment 1164611

^^^ FTW!. I bought one this summer for a solo trip to the west desert of UT/NV. Didn't need it then, but used it 4 times since, twice on the 100, 2x on others. No problem starting the V8. Slick. Plus you have juice to charge your phone so you can make one last FB post before you freeze to death in the middle of nowhere...

 

[crimsonaudio]

So yeah... if you see someone in the backcountry, pushing a Landcruiser and yelling "Pop the Clutch!!", it ain't me this time

 

[Live to Ski]

Thought so

Only thing at present keeping me from a 100 is the cost of a low mileage 2003+. Can't bare the thought of spending relatively big $ for high mileage when I already have a high mileage 60 beast

 

[Output Shaft]

But with the 100 you'll get parts support at least for another 7 years.

The 100 series ran from 1998 to 2007. That's only 8 years out now from last date of manufacture.

The last 60 was produced in 1987. That's 28 years out now.

As you well know, most of the parts for the 60 have been discontinued.

And to add insult to injury... My FJ60 VIN has been discontinued too. Doesn't show up as valid.

 

[Output Shaft]

Take a look at the New 4Runner.

 

[Output Shaft]

Or seriously consider having a reputable, well known shop install a brand new Vortec in your 60.

The best of both worlds.

New GM engine & tranny with tons of support and cheap plentiful parts. For way cheaper than a worn out 100.

 

[OG 91 LC]

Mine went out a month ago. I could tell it was on its way out months before. Sometimes it would start. Sometimes it would click.

Hypothetically speaking. If I was out and about and knew my starter was on its way out I would still try to strike it with something. I know it's deep sitting on top of the block, but it's reachable with something.

Sneak peak between the manifold.

A bit blurry, but it's reachable to be struck.

Red badging. You may sneak up on the starter too from near the firewall. Firewall to the left on this pic. Plenty of room to strike it with something.

 

[badlander]

OG91LC,
That is GREAT information to know. I hadn't even given that a thought. I was ready to start ripping into the intake manifold at first click. I carry replacement contacts when off road but I would rather get it home by giving it a whack and do it in the driveway for sure!

 

[Live to Ski]

Engine swap has crossed my mind. I hate deviating from OEM due to wintel issue (he said/she said....windows/intel in the computer world). Seen there is always some issue resulting from these.

Plus, i'm in california............

Have considered a toyota diesel, but again that would cause dealer support issues, as in "what the heck is this?".

Never considered the 4-runner...out of my ignorance seems lacking in robustness.

At least I'm not desperate in that the fully stock 60 has all the OEM stuff working sans egr valve, which is shorted closed.

 

[Live to Ski]

Output shaft: So, does that mean manufacturers are on the hook for parts support only for 15 years (excuse my ignorance here)?