Starter contacts - how long can I drive?

[fjinva]

It's pretty cold here in VA these days and I'd like to wait for a bit of warmer weather before I tackle the starter contact replacement. How long can I drive mt '99 UZJ100 before I do any more damage?

The solenoid just started spinning a few days ago, and it only happens every 4th or 5th start.

Ant suggestions on whether I should just replace the contacts or go ahead and swap in a whole new starter? Money is always a factor.

Thanks, FJinVA

 

[rph74]

I waited about 2 months before I finally tackled the job on mine. I would just swap out the contacts, not the whole starter.

See the FAQ for procedure.

 

[fjinva]

I read the previous posts and was pretty happy to see the procedure and pics! I'll tackle this myself as soon as I can get to it. I need to replace the #1 O2 sensor as well! Nice to know there are others who work on the 100s as well.
Thanks, FJinVA

 

[mabrodis]

Hmm...the solenoid just started spinning??? What exactly do you mean by that? The typical failure for the starter contact is when nothing happens. You turn key, nothing happens, maybe a slight click, but no engine turning over and no starter spinning.

If your's is doing something different then it might not be the contacts.

Good Luck, the job isn't bad at all, I just used the writeup on here and added the pictures later to it, even though I never even needed the pictures while doing it.

 

[fjinva]

Starter "spinning"

Hard to post a sound on the forum, but it does "spin" when the key is turned. Maybe more of a buzzing sound?
I just assumed this is what everyone was talking about on the starter contact threads. Only started happening when it got below 20 degrees here.
The alternator is putting out plenty of juice and the battery holds a good charge (I replaced it when this first started happening last week).
80K on the truck and well maintained since we bought it new. Maybe something else is going on?

 

[Mark SR.]

Where in VA are you FJ?
-Mark

 

[e9999]

well, the buzz on the 80 forum if that there were fires started with sticking contacts...
Seems to me that it's best not to wait!

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Yeah, just like Mark Sr said, where in Va are you located maybe we can help you out. It would be helpful to put your location on you signature.

 

[fjinva]

Richmond, VA it is. I am ordering the parts and will keep you posted on progress.

TLCA #6266,
BBRC,
CLCC

 

[hank14]

When mine was going it was only a clicking sound when the key was turned. I'd turn it off and try it again. After 2-4 times, it would crank (fortunately). I never heard a "spinning" sound. The same thing happened to my father in law's 4Runner. I had the dealer replace mine. Given that it is under the intake manifold and an all day job (according to the write-up), I'd replace the whole thing.

 

[bcripe]

I heard the spinning sound on mine one time too. Just turn the key and nothing but in the on position there was a bad sounding electric motor or something running under the hood. Didnt sound good at all. Called AAA to have a flat bed take it to Toyota and the guy said, lets just try jump start it and see what happens. To my amazement it started. Still took it back to Toyota and they could find nothing at all wrong. Hasnt happened again but I do worry about it. Im sure it will happen again. Good luck! I am convinced its not starter contacts. I know how that would sound.

BC

BTW mines a 99.

 

[bcripe]

Oh yea, Im in socal. Not too cold here ever.

BC