Random starting Problem

[bj74redrider]

Hello everyone,

So after years of drooling over the 70 series I finally went out and got one for my self. I have done the usual add on's, trailer lights, hitch, voltage converter, and stereo. Took her out the other day in the trails and she performed like a champ!

My question is recently I have been having a hell of a time getting the thing started. But not every start...only randomly will it give me trouble. It will crank very slowly 5 or 6 times until it starts. Hot or cold makes no difference. Though sometimes it just fires right up no prob. After a bad start the Battery voltage is very low, and my 24v headlights are dim, the Toyota clock also resets itself. I replaced all the green looking original battery cables thinking it wasn't getting enough power to the starter, but it made no difference. Alternator output is good, and both batteries are 13V+ when running. My new thought is that I may have a timing issue, any thoughts?

Thanks

1989 Toyota LandCruiser BJ74 (13bt), 3.4L

 

[Krishanprasad]

check the starter motor, 70's down here in Fiji have a reputation for em....

 

[roscoFJ73]

[So after years of drooling over the 70 series I finally went out and got one for my self. I have done the usual add on's, trailer lights, hitch, voltage converter, and stereo. Took her out the other day in the trails and she performed like a champ!]

It doubt it would run like a champ with a timing issue.
The green cables you mentioned,if you meant they are green from corrosion,it may have travelled to some parts inside the starter.
Batteries also sound a bit low

 

[bj74redrider]

Yes the old cables were much corroded. Now I have a new symptom. After I finally get it started, the battery smells like rotten eggs; I thought maybe the thing was leaking, but it looks fine. It seems like my batteries are pooched, I will replace them, but I don't want to do damage to them as well.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Yes the old cables were much corroded. Now I have a new symptom. After I finally get it started, the battery smells like rotten eggs; I thought maybe the thing was leaking, but it looks fine. It seems like my batteries are pooched, I will replace them, but I don't want to do damage to them as well.

I would get the starter checked but I dont relish the task of removing one from a 13BT

 

[bj74redrider]

Tried to start it this morning. I started to smell rotten eggs, oh no...Battery....sure enough, one of my 6 month old $25 refurbished batteries from the PO had a bad cell and blew battery acid all over my engine. After a major cleaning and two new 27s from Costco, she fires up no problem every time. Funny my multi meter didn't detect any voltage irregularities. Lessoned learned.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[BeratE]

Good to hear it worked out for you, with only damage to your wallet

Can't believe nobody asked for pictures though, especially when you took it out to play!