first, the 7 yr old battery died. No big deal, I bought a new one. Before the batter died, it sounded rough starting. Like the gear grinder at the end of the start. After replacing the battery, the slight grinding sound still exists intermittently. One start it was a very slow start like a low battery. Bio on the truck. 1998, LC, 143k. Recent work: new stereo 4 months ago, converted to synthetic oil a week ago. I cannot imagine any of those would cause this failure, but might as well bring it up. Is the starter on its way out? I just don't want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Weird starting issues
- Thread starter Emcd
- Start date
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does the grind go away after truck starts. like a quick grind noise. metal on metal. if thats so might be the starter
You'll have to remove the intake manifold to access the starter. Should be couple of hours job if you go slow. Make sure to take all bols/nuts small items/tools off the engine BEFORE you lift the manifold from the engine. Then cover all 8 intake ports to prevent anything falling into the engine.
Check the teeth on the starter wheel. You can bench test it to make sure internal wheels inside the starter is good. You can grease the starter interior wheels. Get new contacts at the same time.
Check the teeth on the starter wheel. You can bench test it to make sure internal wheels inside the starter is good. You can grease the starter interior wheels. Get new contacts at the same time.
If you can replace a starter on a 100 series in 2 hours, next time mine needs it....I'll definitely hire you!
Most folks won't even have the old starter out in 2 hrs., particularly if you've never done it before.
Remember to check your heater 'Tees' while you have the intake off. Good time to clean the throttle body and replace injector seals.
Different opinions on the following: If you intend to keep the vehicle for awhile and/or its a daily driver, I'd recommend replacing your starter with a new one or at least a remanufactured (OEM) unit. After inspection of the old starter IF its in decent shape (most are) buy a contact kit, install and keep that starter for a spare.
You definitely don't want to have to go right back in there...if your old starter were to fail.
If money is tight, be sure to inspect the old starter really well and make SURE you get the contacts pushed to the bottom of the housing and on the same plane. Otherwise the plunger won't make proper contact and you WILL have problems not far down the line.
Not a problem. I'll use an impact gun and charge $200 an hour 
Denso starters are for life. All it needs is contacts. Once you get the contacts in, make sure the contacts stay flat so it makes a full contact with the plunger. You can use a piece of wood to apply some force on the contacts while you tight the 13 mm nut.
Denso starters are for life. All it needs is contacts. Once you get the contacts in, make sure the contacts stay flat so it makes a full contact with the plunger. You can use a piece of wood to apply some force on the contacts while you tight the 13 mm nut.
2001LC
SILVER Star
The best starter is our own factory Denso rebuilt (DIY). Over time the rubber seals & boots, contracts wear, commutator builds up carbon in undercut and bearings (not common) fail. Best starter for the money today? All parts are available from Toyota Dealer.
DIY starter job would be a lot easier with one of these to get the PITA mounting bolts: Tite-Reach TR14-38-DIY Extension Wrench 3-Pack, 1/4" & 3/8" & DIY
Some reuse old intake manifold gasket, I would not.
Procedure for replacing 100 series(98 and up) starter contacts
Having fuel injector clean, rebuilt & tested while intake manifold is out, is a nice touch to the job. When to replace fuel injectors But will mean waiting until injector are done, to button back up.
DIY starter job would be a lot easier with one of these to get the PITA mounting bolts: Tite-Reach TR14-38-DIY Extension Wrench 3-Pack, 1/4" & 3/8" & DIY
Some reuse old intake manifold gasket, I would not.
Procedure for replacing 100 series(98 and up) starter contacts
Having fuel injector clean, rebuilt & tested while intake manifold is out, is a nice touch to the job. When to replace fuel injectors But will mean waiting until injector are done, to button back up.
could be
