My 1997 LX450 has an odd pulsating grinding/whining noise that happens randomly on some startups, around 3 times in the past month. After it starts, there is a fluctuating grinding noise that seems to get louder, but I have shut the engine off every time before it progresses. It happened again today and I started it up immediately after and there was no sound. Based on my research it could be a bad starter or failing water pump. Has anyone experienced this issue before? Other than the sound the engine runs perfect with no other issues. Thanks for the help.
Pulsating grinding/whirring noise on startup
- Thread starter 97 LX450
- Start date
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Is the noise a loud metallic grinding-whirring noise?
If the internal plunger and contacts inside the magnetic clutch ("solenoid" section) are worn and getting welded (stuck) together intermittantly that can cause the starter to keep running after the engine has started. A brief metallic grinding whirring sound when starting the engine could also be from a defective starter pinion shaft and gear not retracting as they should after the engine starts, IME that can be due to a broken return spring for the pinion shaft.
You can test the pinion gear/shaft (once the starter is removed) by pulling out on the gear to extend the shaft then letting go, it should be difficult to pull out and should snap back forcefully when you let go. Also, open up the solenoid "door" (plate) by removing three small bolts/screws and inspect the plunger (it will want to push up/out) and contacts.
WARNING: there is a small individual ball bearing (BB size) inside that section at the very base of where the plunger sits so if you remove the plunger do not tip over the starter while the plunger is removed (open it over a clean table, not outside in the driveway).
If the starter is the original or a cheapo reman'd starter it likely needs at least new contacts and a plunger (there are two kits of small pieces you can get from any Toyota dealer) or just buy a new DENSO Starter and be done with it as brushes can wear and the grease dries out, etc, especially if it's 30 years old. Don't waste your time or money on a Neverlast starter from Vatozone or any other rebuild, most are junk.
If you do buy a replacement starter either go with a Toyota (Denso) Reman'd starter from any Toyota dealer (28100-66060) or a Denso Aftermarket Reman'd starter (OEM manufacturer for Toyota). IME DENSO Aftermarket starters are well made. FWIW.
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If the internal plunger and contacts inside the magnetic clutch ("solenoid" section) are worn and getting welded (stuck) together intermittantly that can cause the starter to keep running after the engine has started. A brief metallic grinding whirring sound when starting the engine could also be from a defective starter pinion shaft and gear not retracting as they should after the engine starts, IME that can be due to a broken return spring for the pinion shaft.
You can test the pinion gear/shaft (once the starter is removed) by pulling out on the gear to extend the shaft then letting go, it should be difficult to pull out and should snap back forcefully when you let go. Also, open up the solenoid "door" (plate) by removing three small bolts/screws and inspect the plunger (it will want to push up/out) and contacts.
WARNING: there is a small individual ball bearing (BB size) inside that section at the very base of where the plunger sits so if you remove the plunger do not tip over the starter while the plunger is removed (open it over a clean table, not outside in the driveway).
If the starter is the original or a cheapo reman'd starter it likely needs at least new contacts and a plunger (there are two kits of small pieces you can get from any Toyota dealer) or just buy a new DENSO Starter and be done with it as brushes can wear and the grease dries out, etc, especially if it's 30 years old. Don't waste your time or money on a Neverlast starter from Vatozone or any other rebuild, most are junk.
If you do buy a replacement starter either go with a Toyota (Denso) Reman'd starter from any Toyota dealer (28100-66060) or a Denso Aftermarket Reman'd starter (OEM manufacturer for Toyota). IME DENSO Aftermarket starters are well made. FWIW.
RockAuto link:
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