Mud Flood, now no start... RESOLVED

[bencallaway]

I've searched learned a lot over the last 4 or 5 days but my problem persists so I've resorted to this post...

Background info: Last Monday I buried my front diff in a mud puddle and flooded the front passenger floor board of my 80 with mud. Not much else got wet inside and the water level didn't get too high. The next morning I pulled the interior and got everything clean and dry. Started the truck and moved it from the street to the driveway. I then used a hose with a sprayer nozzle to lightly rinse out all the simple green. The next day it wouldn't start. Dash lights come on as they should but no click from the starter.

Now I'm not getting power to the starter solenoid. I initially had an issue with the shift lock solenoid sticking but I cleaned up the mechanism and it works now. I've got brake lights and reverse lights. I've got a new fuseable link coming today. The NSS plug looks fine. Before I start throwing money at a new ignition switch, shift lock ECU (NLA??) I thought I'd consult the experts here...

I am inclined to think I got something in the shifter region too wet but I don't fully understand the roll of the shift lock ECU. I know I can jumper to the starter solenoid but I'm not a fan of band aids...

 

[Desert Dino]

When you turn the key is CEL light on? with all the rest of dash lights?

 

[bencallaway]

When you turn the key is CEL light on? with all the rest of dash lights?

Yep. Not throwing any codes though. Also worth mentioning that I ran through the shift lock control ECU inspection methods in the FSM and everything checked out ok. The shift lock solenoid resistance was 32 rather than 20-28 but its behaving correctly otherwise so I don't think thats an issue.

 

[Zjohnsonua]

Might check your circuit opening relay. Seems like I remember it being revealed just enough to have gotten splashed. I had a 1st gen 4runner go lame for a while because the COR got dripped on via a windshield leak...

 

[bencallaway]

Heading out to wack the starter with a hammer this morning. I guess I'm at a point where I'll consider the possibility that the no start is not related to the water in the cabin...

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Yea I was going to suggest starter corrosion due to the water. Wack it with a hammer while someone is turning the key. It’s free and worth a shot.

 

[bencallaway]

I've got a solenoid rebuild kit on the way. Speculating the plunger could be stuck. Waiting for someone to turn the key while I wack it.

 

[bencallaway]

Well that was it. A couple of light taps on the starter solenoid did the trick. The starter was submerged in muddy water for at least 5 minutes. I'm sure the gasket on the cover is bad and let the nasty in.

 

[surfpig]

... Waiting for someone to turn the key while I wack it.

(glad that "got it going")

 

[bencallaway]

I was able to get it done alone.

 

[Tools R Us]

Well that was it. A couple of light taps on the starter solenoid did the trick. The starter was submerged in muddy water for at least 5 minutes. I'm sure the gasket on the cover is bad and let the nasty in.

Most of the "other brand" reman starters, often don't replace the gaskets/breathers, have seen them with no gaskets, o-rings or breathers. Those parts are available, but is often cheaper, easier to just get a DENSO 2800169 replacement.