What's the best replacement starter?

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StaticTorque

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Been having problems with my LC starting lately. Wondering what the best starter to get. I was thinking Delco or Denso. But inputs would be great and if you've had better experience with other brands. TIA
 
Denso was the original supplier of the starter motors so get one of their reman units and you should be good to go. Depending on the issue with your current starter motor you might get away with swapping out the contacts.
 
It has a denso reman in it right now. It was replaced last year. I have a video of what it does; that I just remembered I had. I’m going to post a thread about that to see what people think. Thank you.
 
IME you have to be careful when buying a "Denso" reman starter as some resellers may list it as a Denso type or some other words that seem to indicate that the starter was rebuilt by Denso, when in fact it was rebuilt somewhere like Chynna.

RockAuto sells Denso reman'd starters:


Or just go down to your local Toyota dealer:

 
IME you have to be careful when buying a "Denso" reman starter as some resellers may list it as a Denso type or some other words that seem to indicate that the starter was rebuilt by Denso, when in fact it was rebuilt somewhere like Chynna.

RockAuto sells Denso reman'd starters:


Or just go down to your local Toyota dealer:

I actually checked on the McGeorge site, and saw that was pretty cheap for a Toyota one. Tried calling them to see if that was a whole starter, or a rebuild kit or something.
 
I bought my reman Denso 2.0 kw starter from RockAuto. Good experience buying from them.
 
I would caution you to find out exactly what doesn't work, before scrapping the entire starter. IME, it's the Bendix that fails, ad not the starter, You can remove this and replace it as a unit, saving some coin.

The only potential problem, which I've had on almost every starter I've rebuilt, is the screws holding the Bendix onto the starter are corroded in place and have to be drilled out before you can actually remove them. They have JIS cross point heads and are soft as brass.

It's a job I usually give my minions, it's not difficult, just a PITA to have to do.

for the '95-'97 80s,
the 1.4kW Bendix is
1628914419781.png

the screws are 90099-00253; you need two. FWIW, I replaced every one I removed with black oxide coated socket had cap screws. No more mucking around with screwdrivers.
 
This is what is going on with my rig. I need to post a thread about it but since you brought that up. Im new to working on my rig and not sure how the starter really works. Heres a link the video. I apologize for the wind, its very hard to hear.

 
All I hear is a click, and that could be from a weak battery, a bad battery connection, or worn out starter contacts and plunger. The contacts
and plunger can be purchased separately and replaced.

Does the starter crank and the the engine starts sometimes, not others?
 
All I hear is a click, and that could be from a weak battery, a bad battery connection, or worn out starter contacts and plunger. The contacts
and plunger can be purchased separately and replaced.

Does the starter crank and the the engine starts sometimes, not others?
The battery is good, has good connections now. The negative battery terminal was super loose, like, I would have it tightened all the way, and I could pull it off. Thought that was my problem at first. Yes, it does start most of the time. It's really bad when its hot here in OR.
 
Sounds like classic worn contacts/plunger symptoms, relatively easy to replace.


IME while the starter is out it's not that much more work to take it apart to get to the OSGR (gear/bearing) section and clean it out, add some grease.
And if you want to go all the way, you can regrease the armature bearings, check the brush length, and clean up the armature, but that can open up
a can of worms.
 
How can I check that to make sure that's what it is? I don't know much about starters. So I don't know how to pinpoint things yet. Appreciate your help and input.
The fastest way is to get a new OEM starter and compare the results.
 
Give it a whirl. 👍
 
If it went bad in just a year, then likely a bad rebuild. You could try to replace the contacts and plunger. I would take it to a local autoparts store
before and after to have it tested.

Remove the current starter and open up the cover over the "magnetic switch" or solenoid (see video). Then the plunger pops out as it has a spring on it, then you'll be able to see the two contacts. Don't lose the small ball bearing inside the solenoid.

Here's one video, lots more on youtubby:

 
Here's a quick trail diagnostic; grab a 1×2 firing strip, or a straight branch from a nearby tree, and put the base of the stick against the body of the starter through the DS fender. Now, take a hammer, or a sizeable rock, and whack the end of the stick. Don't beat it like it owes you $$$, just give it a little love tap. Try to start it again.

Sometimes, the contacts on the solenoid (aka Bendix) or the brushes can stick due to carbon buildup, and a solid whack on the starter frees everything up enough to carry adequate current so it will start. If this works once, it will usually work for awhile to get you off the trail, but rebuilding or replacing the starter is the long-term repair.
 
If it went bad in just a year, then likely a bad rebuild. You could try to replace the contacts and plunger. I would take it to a local autoparts store
before and after to have it tested.

Remove the current starter and open up the cover over the "magnetic switch" or solenoid (see video). Then the plunger pops out as it has a spring on it, then you'll be able to see the two contacts. Don't lose the small ball bearing inside the solenoid.

Here's one video, lots more on youtubby:


Okay cool, thank you. I didn't know it was something I could take to an auto parts place and get it tested. New to working on my rig and such. Cause I know if I don't, it will cost $$$. Thank you for the video, it helps and gives me an idea. Don't lose the small bearings 👍
Here's a quick trail diagnostic; grab a 1×2 firing strip, or a straight branch from a nearby tree, and put the base of the stick against the body of the starter through the DS fender. Now, take a hammer, or a sizeable rock, and whack the end of the stick. Don't beat it like it owes you $$$, just give it a little love tap. Try to start it again.

Sometimes, the contacts on the solenoid (aka Bendix) or the brushes can stick due to carbon buildup, and a solid whack on the starter frees everything up enough to carry adequate current so it will start. If this works once, it will usually work for awhile to get you off the trail, but rebuilding or replacing the starter is the long-term repair.
I haven't done this with tree bark and stuff. But I have tried hitting the starter with a small metal object, but it never seemed to help.
 

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