Starter Removal 3FE

[GAcruiser3FE]

i Recently have been getting the cruiser ready for the spring and the truck caught the intermittent starting problem. Ive been extremely busy and had it taken to a stealership a family friend owns. Then today a get a call saying they have to take the trans out to get the starter replaced.
The trucks a !991 3FE with factory center diff and 215,000 miles.

I had just planned on taking the starter out cleaning it up and replacing plungers and contacts.. Any credibility to what the mechanic is saying?

Meanwhile ive been snaking the sunroof drain tubes, fixing the brakes, and the sway bar mount broke the other week.

thanks
Witt

 

[bhmmapping]

no credibility to that whatsoever.

In fact, if you are removing the transmission, one of the steps is to remove the starter.

 

[bhmmapping]

Here are the steps from the FSM:

 

[itbrokeagain]

Imo the 3Fe starter sucks to remove but that is ridiculous

 

[GAcruiser3FE]

Thanks ya'll. Unfortunately my FSM was on the pass. floor board too long and the sunroof leak got it. oops

 

[Michael Hanson]

It's a pain to remove, it comes out through the top. mike

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

It's very simple compared to the Toyota V8 engines where you have to remove the intake. All I did was remove the passenger tire, the plastic/rubber inner fender splash guards and follow instructions posted above in the FSM. Probably takes about 30 to 45 minutes tops.

 

[itbrokeagain]

It's a pain to remove, it comes out through the top. mike

I take mine out from the bottom....

 

[Alleycats]

You definitely do not have to remove the transmission to remove the starter on the 3FE.

 

[Bjohnston115]

I take mine out from the bottom....

X2...

Pull the front right up on a ramp, disconnect the 2 wires then unscrew the 2 nuts and you're set. The first time I did it it took longer because I had to figure it out but I could have my starter out in 15 minutes from underneath the truck now.

 

[LS1FJ40]

I'm replacing my starter today. Had a few intermittent no crank then crank after holding key cranked for 3-5 seconds. Figured after 23 years I may as well replace it. Purchased a reman starter from VatoZone since they could have it next day. Going to order the rebuild kit and rebuild the OEM one then put it back in. I will be timing myself and report back how long it took. I am a mechanic.

 

[jwilber]

I actually get mine out through the bottom front drivers side.

 

[LS1FJ40]

I don't have the EGR and smog pump in the way, think that will help with taking it out the top? Or should I just do it out the bottom?

 

[jonheld]

I actually get mine out through the bottom front drivers side.

The starter is on the right side on a 3FE and on the left side on a 1FZ-FE. Easier on the 1FZ-FE. The top nut is a PITA to get to on the 3FE, but you certainly don't need to do anything drastic to remove it.
I wonder if they have to pull the motor to replace the spark plugs. Knuckleheads.

 

[LS1FJ40]

Ok. Finally doing this today. Been crazy with work. Got the garage warming up as we speak...

I've had the new starter sitting in the backseat for over a week now. Yesterday I had to bang on the starter to get it started.

The original only lasted 23 years. Lousy Toyota quality assurance...