Replace starter or contacts? (1 Viewer)

[jfranke]

I've got what smells more and more like a starter problem - I've gone through some other threads and have the same issue others have described where the truck (98 LX470)intermittently won't start and gives <click> instead. Then for no apparent reason, it starts fine after a couple tries.

With 80k miles on it, should I expect to replace the starter or just the contacts? Not sure I can handle the job myself, but want to go into this knowing what may/may not be necessary. I called the dealer for parts info: starter is $279 + $275 labor, the brushes (same as contacts?) are $82. No labor on the brushes, they say they don't rebuild starters at Lexus (why would they when they can get $550+ for the whole thing?!)

I've got a local auto electric shop I trust, but again, not sure if I should be doing the whole enchilada or just the part-within-the-part that's worn?

any info appreciated...thanks

-jfranke.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Contacts are not te same as brushes. Replace the contacts (Slee's site, tech - how to) ASAP. If you do not replace the contacts 2 things can and will happen. 1 - the starter will fail to start. 2 - the starter will remain running resulting in a huge expense and/or possible fire.

Phil

 

[Landpimp]

IIRC the intake has to come off to get to the starter, bill for starter and labor runs about $800......if it were me and the intake had to come off........I would replace the starter not just the contacts, buy yourself anohter 80k.

 

[i4c4lo]

I just went through this exact same thing. My truck wouldn't start and was just giving me that loud "click", so I took it to the local dealer and of course it started everytime! So I am off to vacation and it fails. The dealer replaced the starter and not just the contacts. The good thing other than it starts ow and I now have a new starter is that the dealer was only charging around $50 an hour as opposed to $120 an hour here at home! But now the s/c is not creating as much boost as it used to. I have to look into this but hey the truck starts

 

[Brentbba]

jfranke - Listen to Phil. EXACT thing happened on my 80. Extensive thread in the 80's section, but I'll give you the scary short version.

I knew the starter was going as it had once before. I let it go just a little while because I knew the bill to replace with a remfg one. What ended up happening was that the starter froze and then fried the alternator and battery as well. Total bill to replace the starter and alternator with remfg plus labor over $1000. Fortunately, the battery held a charge.

Do NOT wait on this one. Learn quickly from others pain, PLEASE!

 

[jfranke]

Ok - taking the advice I'm being given... Just dropped it off at my local shop. They think they can get the contacts and have it turned back around with a repaired starter by tomorrow, maybe next day if they have to get parts shipped in.

"that's a standard Denso starter... a cheap fix" they said... my fingers are crossed.

thanks for the comments - I'll update again once I hear back.

-jfranke.

 

[Landpimp]

actaully you didn't take the advice but whatever

hope they ordered a intake gasket.

Ok - taking the advice I'm being given... Just dropped it off at my local shop. They think they can get the contacts and have it turned back around with a repaired starter by tomorrow, maybe next day if they have to get parts shipped in.

"that's a standard Denso starter... a cheap fix" they said... my fingers are crossed.

thanks for the comments - I'll update again once I hear back.

-jfranke.

 

[jfranke]

yeah, I guess you're right in that i'm not replacing the whole starter...

I'm going to see what the shop comes back with for a labor estimate - I'm hoping the cost differential is enough to warrant the starter's repair over replacement. But if not, well, i'll be replacin'

I appreciate all the advice - and will share the details as they unfold.

-jfranke.

 

[Pitbull]

I suggest you buy a new LC It's the end of the year and you can get one for a good price.