New/extra starter for 85 4Runner

[WarDamnEagle]

This is a follow-up to my earlier starter problem thread. Recap: It clicks once when you try to start it. I think it's the starter contacts but it could be something else. Unfortunately I am no where near the 4Runner but I would like it to be drivable for others.

I have a fairly mechanically inclined nephew who will install a new starter for me so I think I will give that a shot. Assuming that will fix the problem, I can rebuild the OEM starter later and have a spare.

I did a quick google search and it appears to be no problem to buy a remanufactured Denso OEM starter for under $100. Does anyone have a recommendation on "the" place to purchase one? Is there a "Zuk" of starters (Zuk being the go-to diff expert)?

Here's a link as an example and, as you can see, they list Denso OEM remanufactured starters. Cost isn't much of an issue and would pay more than those prices if I could be convinced that I was buying quality.

Race Pages - Toyota Starter - 1985 Toyota 4Runner Starter

Just thought of another question. He will need to take tools with him. I think I remember reading that sockets and extensions work best for removing the two bolts holding the starter. Can anyone verify that off the top of their head for a 22RE with 5 speeed manual and does anyone know the bolt size(s)? Not a big deal but I would like to give him all the info possible. He will have my FSM at his disposal but it doesn't specify which tools are necessary. In fact, the entire removal instructions are only 4 lines long so it can't be too difficult.

 

[KLF]

No idea on the best place to buy one, I have several spares to choose from and I'm still on my factory original.

Both take a 14mm wrench. The top is actually a nut on a stud, not a bolt.

I find it easiest to remove the right front tire, remove the little access panel (10mm bolts), and reach in there. But, I have a 1" body lift, I'm sure that helps with access. I like using ratcheting GearWrenches, a stubby one works great on those tight confines. But, a long extension with a wobble socket also can work.

I believe the main starter cable takes a 12mm wrench to disconnect from the starter. Make sure he knows to disconnect the + lead from the battery FIRST, so this might need additional tools.

 

[liljlandon]

I just solved the one 'click' problem in my truck. I made sure the contact points for the main (red) wire were clean and found that the other wire (black and yellow/white) wasnt making contact in the green wire plug that connects all of those wires. The PO of my truck decided he didnt need any of those wires so he just left the one that goes to the starter. I simply snipped both ends of the wire that connect to the giant green plug thingy and put a crimp connector between them.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Thanks for the replies guys. KLF, my FSM diagram shows two bolts and says bolts but that doesn't mean that it's correct. I told my nephew that one of the bolts might be a stud with a nut.

One last question: Is there any reason to go with the 1.4kw over the 1.0kw?

I know that the 1.4kw was an option included with the cold weather package so I don't think I need it. Also I have never thought that the starter wasn't strong enough (when it worked!).

I'm assuming the only penalty would be weight? I'll probably go with the 1.0kw but there isn't any difference in price on the remanufactured Densos; they are both about $100 with the core charge (even though new OEM according to Toyotadiy.com is showing $520.23 for the 1.0 and $806.81 for the 1.4kw).

...and yes I just saw this morning that there are two starter threads going at the same time. Guess I should have searched before I started this thread.

 

[KLF]

I've swapped 4 trannies this year alone, they all had studs as the top fastener. The stud makes it a lot easier to install, as there's something to "hang" the starter from, no guessing on line-up.

It's too bad some overpaid suit at Toyota screwed up the toyodiy.com website, so you can't get the disgrams anymore...

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Nephew reported in today. He changed the starter a couple of days ago and the 4Runner has been starting like a champ ever since. I bought a rebuilt Denso and kept the old one. I will rebuild it when I get a chance and keep it as a spare.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[NorCalBorn]

I'm just now getting to this thread, but will add that if it's a 20r-22r engine that the factory rebuilt or new gear reduction starter's last for freaking evaaaarrrr. I took one out of my old 80 Celica that i had bought and it is still in the guy's '86 p/u I sold it to.

I know, I know, well over your $100 mark, but I figure it's paid for itself time and time over given the 9 year mark just passed. Dealer parts guy claimed at the time it would not fit, completely wrong, although I did have to change the connectors. Best investment IMHO.