Starter drag on cold start

[BRob2756]

Freaking cold in Atlanta right now, 15 this morning when I went to crank the truck. Now before you northern boys start snickering at us poor old southern guys, know that we put up with the jungle hot summers so we don't have to go through an ice age every year! Screw all this cold weather!

Anyhow, truck was slow to start this morning but did crank. After cranking, I heard what sounded like the starter grind for about 1-2 seconds before the noise went away. I have noticed it before, always when the temps are under 50. Never when the engine is hot, starter never clicks - always starts but drags.

I'm thinking that the cold is making the bendix retract slower and causing drag? Am I on base here? No problem rebuilding or replacing starter but am I hurting my flywheel if I continue to use like this until rebuild?

Thanks!

-Rob

 

[jfz80]

Can't offer any answers but ive noticed the same thing here on two 80s in NC with temps in the teens and below this week.

 

[Proven]

Mine too made a "chatter" noise for 1-2 seconds when I started it here in good old ATLANTA. I wasn't concerned until I read this post...should I be?

 

[Kernal]

There are a couple springs in the drive assembly of the starter that can lose their strength and/or break which could explain the grinding, or maybe just that the lube inside the drive assembly has dried up causing it to drag or stick. The fix may be to completely dismantle, clean, and regrease and reassemble the OSGR section of the starter (top photo) and also dismantle the drive assembly (bottom photo), clean, check for broken springs, regrease. If you've gone that far might as well pull the armature out of the field case and clean and regrease the armature bearings. Replace the contacts and plunger while you're in there. Or, order a Toyota starter from a Mud Vendor.

 

[DARKNESS]

Yeah I'd guess the old grease is just sticky in the cold making it slow to retract. Probably not a big deal. Like Kernal said you could pull it and rebuild it if it really bothers you. You could also get a new starter.

 

[BRob2756]

Great, thanks for the replys. I'll put this in the 'eventually' pile as it doesn't bother me. Just want to be sure I won't crack a tooth off the flywheel!

-Rob

 

[izzyandsue]

Same exact thing here in Charlotte, 9 outside, truck has been sitting for 3-4 days. Battery was a little weak but started. Same sound, same timing.