Starter being picky about starting.

[hodag]

87' FJ60 stock 2F. Recently the starter has decided not to work occasionally. I may go 20 starts with no problem, or it may start now and not the next time. I cant seem to see a pattern. Ive checked the cables, they are good, with new ends and an Optima battery. If Im on flat ground, I can smack the starter body with a heavy object (usually my fist), and itll usually start. If Im on a hill, itll roll start fine. Ive never had a starter go gradually bad, it always seemed to be all or nothing.

Should I bite the bullet and put on a new starter, or should I look elsewhere first?

Hodag

 

[baldredhead]

check the contacts in the solenoid, they EDM themselves a little every start and eventually the plunger thingy can't go far enough to make the connection. contacts are available separately from your dealer and there is someone online that has them. search will find it

 

[andrew7elk]

I had the same problem, i went through 2 batteries, 2 sets of contacts and millions of wacks on the starter before i finaly got the starter rebuilt... after that no problems. Cost me $125 Candian!

 

[Tinker]

1) Starter brushes
2) Solenoid
3) Starter switch
4) Wiring (white stripe on black)

Mine was #4.

 

[Fearnofish!]

If your still having the problem/ haven't rebuilt yet thought you might try rinsing out the interior of the starter with WD40. A single squirt in there may free up some of hte gunk. Worked on mine for months!. I did eventually replace it though.