starting question

newtoy · #1 02-20-2007, 10:23 AM

I have a quick diagnosis question about my 1982 toyota. I have a starting issue with the truck. The engine has over 200,000 miles. The one thing I had about the problem is it in not consistant. When I try to start the truck sometimes, I get a noise like the starter is turning, but the flywheel does not move. Sometimes this will happen 2-3 times in a row before I will start the car and it will engage with the flywheel. I feel like it is one of two things. Either a bad starter or a worn down flywheel. I kind of doubt the bad starter and I have replace the started and had the same problem before and after (if I remember properly - that was about 4 years ago, however, the problem seems to be getting a little worse lately). I am wondering if there is something else I am missing. I am sure the flywheel is the factory original one. With that said, what are the odds of getting all the flywheel bolts out without snapping them after being together for over 20 years. The reason why I am asking, is that the truck has a lot of little issues that need to be repaired which I would rather handle before I dive in to replace the motor (also that the fact that the motor seems to have plenty of power once is get started makes me feel like a new motor is not needed at this point). I feel like if I snap some bolts on the flywheel, that would be the point of no return for a motor swap. Thanks in advance for any advice/opinions.

4Crawler · #2 02-20-2007, 11:15 AM

You might try this quick voltage test:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

To see if the starter solenoid is getting full power when starting. If not, it may be a wiring issue upstream from the starter. If the voltage is OK, might have a look inside the starter. Make sure the solenoid can push the bendix gear all the way out, etc.

newtoy · #3 02-20-2007, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the help. I have never dis-assembled a starter before and I feel you site helped me understand how they work a little better. I am guessing that the "click" (referred to by 4Crawler) is the solenoid moving without causing the bendix gear to rotate. In my case, I feel like I have the opposite problem It seems like the gear rotates without meshing with the flywheel. (i.e. when I try to start the truck - I don't just get a "click" and then dead silence, I get more a continuous noise was long as I keep the ignition in the start position.) After trying 3-4 times with the same results, the truck will start (sometime more sometimes less). Also, from the website, it sounds like the bendix must be fully out before the starting motor gets any power to rotate, correct? From the pictures, it looks like the contacts are the stopping point for the solenoid travel

Again, I really appreciate the help. I am just trying to come up with a plan. In order to enjoy my truck again this summer. Unfortunately it's parked about 2.5 hours away, so I only get to mess with it on the occasional weekend.

mudrunner88 · #4 02-20-2007, 10:01 PM

Time to yank the starter and inspect the gear on it. If it's good then give that flywheel a close look over for missing teeth.

4Crawler · #5 02-20-2007, 10:31 PM

One symptom of worn copper contacts in the solenoid is that the plunger in the solenoid can get "cocked" on the bore of the solenoid. due to one contact wearing more than the other side (kind of like standing with one foot on the curb and the other in the gutter). This can cause it to push the bendix gear out part way, before the plunger sticks and prevents the gear from going out all the way. However, if there is electrical contact made, the starter motor can turn but since the bendix gear is not fully extended, it misses the flywheel teeth. Only way to tell it to pull the starter and see what is going on. Might also be low current from the ignition switch start contacts not pulling in the solenoid hard enough to push the bendix gear out all the way.