Starter Issue (1 Viewer)

[pappy]

Lately I've been having a problem with the starter on Da'40. When I turn the key the starter turns, but something doesn't let go right away after the engine starts, and the starter runs-on. After a second or two it does pop loose, and for the next few starts that day it's fine. But in the morning, same thing.

What's not letting loose? What is the fix?

 

[Source3]

Do you think it is within the starter itself? Perhaps the ignition switch is sticking. Or perhaps a relay?

 

[Devil Frog]

Lately I've been having a problem with the starter on Da'40. When I turn the key the starter turns, but something doesn't let go right away after the engine starts, and the starter runs-on. After a second or two it does pop loose, and for the next few starts that day it's fine. But in the morning, same thing.

What's not letting loose? What is the fix?

sounds like a bad solenoid

 

[jericho]

Does it only do it when its cold? I'd pull it and make sure the gears are clean and there's no debris or old grease holding the starter gear from disengaging.

 

[BionicCruiser]

Does it only do it when its cold? I'd pull it and make sure the gears are clean and there's no debris or old grease holding the starter gear from disengaging.

that's what I was thinking. it's not retracting from the flywheel like it should. could be solenoid too.

 

[Devil Frog]

as of last week the fj60 at pull n pay still had the starter

 

[alia176]

sounds like the bendix (or whatever it's called) isn't springing back? Just a simple cleaning may resolve the issue.

 

[Cruisergreg]

Do you think it is within the starter itself? Perhaps the ignition switch is sticking. Or perhaps a relay?

Before pulling parts out and apart check your ignition switch. I've had 2 instances with the 60 where the switch stuck in "start" and didn't spring back to "ign". It's more likely with a freshly cut key.

 

[bonfire]

On the starter theme, I too am having starter trouble. The old one would not spin or engage. It just clicked. and if I clicked it enough times it would engage and start. So I figured with high mileage etc i would just get a new starter. That was several months ago. Today with the cold temps the 80 did it again. Any thoughts on an 80 starter that is too new to act this way? Would it be the ignition switch sticking ?Thanks in advance. Aj

 

[BionicCruiser]

On the starter theme, I too am having starter trouble. The old one would not spin or engage. It just clicked. and if I clicked it enough times it would engage and start. So I figured with high mileage etc i would just get a new starter. That was several months ago. Today with the cold temps the 80 did it again. Any thoughts on an 80 starter that is too new to act this way? Would it be the ignition switch sticking ?Thanks in advance. Aj

that sounds like solenoid to me. my truck did that exactly and I just replaced the solenoid to fix it. can't remember now how I diagnosed it though.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Jon:

That is almost certainly a bendix drive (starter clutch) issue. It does it worse when it is cold, right? That REALLY points to it.

Quick test to see if it's the key switch though: rev the engine when it does it. If it goes away once the RPM goes up (and only then) I think you can rule out the ignition switch entirely. If it goes away when you rev it up, but comes back as a coffee grinder sound, then the starter is STILL trying to engage (which is a solenoid/ignition switch issue).

The Bendix drive is basically a centrifugal clutch. When the starter is driving the starter gear, it causes the gear to extend out, which then engages the flywheel. As soon as the gear is driving the assembly (such as once the engine starts to run) the starter drive gear retracts again. You are describing the gear not retracting. Have you yet tried to start it REALLY cold? Does it just sound like a coffee grinder without actually turning the motor over?

Dan

 

[pappy]

It only does it when cold, or after it's been sitting for a few hours. If I turn the key a few times and let go quick before the engine fires it usually won't do it. But if I jump in and turn the key it always does when cold.

 

[marcfj60]

On the starter theme, I too am having starter trouble. The old one would not spin or engage. It just clicked. and if I clicked it enough times it would engage and start.

Aj

AJ - your problem sounds like worn out contacts in the starter solenoid. When you engage the ignition switch, it makes the solenoid move (the click sound) and bridge the gap between the contacts, sending electricty to the starter motor.

The contacts get worn out over time and stop working like they are supposed to. If you're kind of handy, you can buy a starter solenoid contact kit for pretty cheap from Dan at American Toyota. You have to disassemble the solenoid side of the starter to replace the contacts. But it's more work than just putting in a new starter. The last one I took apart, the starter motor itself was pretty worn as well (bearings, brushes, rust) so I ended up just putting a Toyota rebuilt unit in instead of just replacing the contacts.

 

[Beowulf]

AJ - your problem sounds like worn out contacts in the starter solenoid.

He said he has a new starter.

AJ, did you buy a new or a reman from a Toyota dealer? If yes, and you are comfortable that the install was OK, then look at the battery, the ignition switch or the battery cable that goes to the starter.

-Mike-

 

[marcfj60]

He said he has a new starter.

AJ, did you buy a new or a reman from a Toyota dealer? If yes, and you are comfortable that the install was OK, then look at the battery, the ignition switch or the battery cable that goes to the starter.

-Mike-

Oh, I didn't get that the first time I read it. I do now. I'd probably lean towards a weak battery at this point.

 

[frobuster]

I have never even seen an FJ starter, and I do not know how they are set-up, but 1st, look at the starter, the housing, and the bellhousing. Look closely for loose bolts and hairline cracks. Double check the back of the starter, is it 100% intact? Make 100% sure that the starter is bolted securely, and that no SHIMS are missing. Does your starter have, or need shims? If there is any unnecessary load/torque on the starter gear it may not retract properly.

I'm available this weekend live in the uptown/UNM area. have a DMM and know how to use it.

 

[bonfire]

Again thank you for allowing me to hijack a portion of this thread.
Yes it is a new starter from toyota and the battery is a relatively new Optima battery. The cables probably need some attention and this ignition switch thing probably does too. Now if I could only find it.