80 starter issue? or not?

[Schattenjager]

1997 LX450 - 153K miles

It has been insanely cold lately around -7 to a high of 3. Twice I have gone to start the cruiser and rather than firing up, it makes a strange sound and spins without turning over the motor. Have not had a problem before and once it is warmed up, starts reliably.

My theory is that the starter is not fully engaging the motor possibly due to the extreme cold binding up the armature.

Please tell me this is nothing to worry about. I just want to drive out of here in a few weeks and do not want to face a big repair bill! But would rather have things in top shape for the 4500 mile journey.

 

[yohavos]

If it's any consolation, the starter is 2 bolts to remove.

2 bolts and a nut, I guess, as the nut holds the + wire on...


I just replaced mine on the side of a fairly trafficked road in front of my apartment, as Murphy dictated that was where my starter had to go crap the bed. I had the added displeasure of having to crawl in from the PS and operating completely from my back (aforementioned trafficked road and all) which made the job a bit more annoying. If I had room and could do it through the wheel well, it would be one of the easiest things I've ever done on my 80. It's about a step up from replacing hoses and a step below rear brakes in difficulty.

As far as your personal issue goes, I'm afraid I can offer little advice. Mine was to the point that it was no longer even spinning, and after confirming 12v all the way through, it was pretty obvious my starter was no longer operational.


Mike

 

[Schattenjager]

After warming up the truck and driving it around today, there was no problem at all. Thus far it seems to occur only when bone cold.

 

[MoGas]

I have a crappy write up about rebuilding these >>>> Here

 

[Pskhaat]

When was the last time you changed the starter contacts? Easy fix. I have noted that mine had issues on cold starts when it was time to replace.

 

[Schattenjager]

That is a great write up Dave - thanks again for your fantastic contributions to the longevity of my Cruiser!

The starter is spinning up with no clicking etc - it just seems to not engage the motor to turn IT over and only happens on the first start of the coldest days. I noticed that NAPA has cold weather starter options - anyone familiar with that?

Considering the starter spins up with no problem, would the contacts still be a consideration? I believe the plunger is not getting a full throw maybe due to the cold gumming it up?

 

[Flagster]

sounds like it's time for a diesel swap

 

[MoGas]

That is a great write up Dave - thanks again for your fantastic contributions to the longevity of my Cruiser!

The starter is spinning up with no clicking etc - it just seems to not engage the motor to turn IT over and only happens on the first start of the coldest days. I noticed that NAPA has cold weather starter options - anyone familiar with that?

Considering the starter spins up with no problem, would the contacts still be a consideration? I believe the plunger is not getting a full throw maybe due to the cold gumming it up?

It is nearly impossible for this particular Toyota starter to spin without engaging. The starter motor does not get power to spin until the plunger has made contact with the contacts that are replaced in my write up. If it is, then the contacts are bent up somehow or maybe the starter is a little loose on it's mount, not allowing the teeth to mesh on the flexplate. You could also have a bad spot on your fleplate. You would get a noise that is like you get when you try to start a car that is already running. Worn flexplates are more common on Ford and Jeeps because the starter is already spinning when it engages. All engines will typically stop all motion at the same spot or 3, so the start cycle typically is at the same spot each time.

 

[yohavos]

... I noticed that NAPA has cold weather starter options - anyone familiar with that? ...

The cold weather starter option is a 2.0kw starter. This was offered from the factory (as the "cold weather option") and is a common upgrade to 80 series cruisers from the usual 1.4kw. I believe this is a bolt on affair, but have not personally done this. I'm not sure what year models these starters were put on, but I think earlier FZJ's also came with the now discontinued 2.2kw starter cold weather package. The 2.0kw should still be available from Toyota.

I would encourage you to locate a rebuilt OEM 2.0kw (or 2.2kw, but from what I hear they're in the unobtanium category) starter before you decide on the NAPA unit, but in a pinch the NAPA (or other parts store) units will suffice. When I replaced mine I went with an OEM 1.4kw.

 

[yohavos]

P.S. - I'm not a part number guru, but I think the part number from Toyota for a Denso 2.0kW starter is 28100-66060

 

[Pskhaat]

I wish I had the 2.2kw unit, but my 1.4kw started my 80 in many days at -40 degrees.

 

[MoGas]

2.2kw was 93 only.......I happen to have one in my 93.

 

[yohavos]

2.2kw was 93 only.......I happen to have one in my 93.

Yeah I thought they were pretty year specific.

Anyone know for sure if the 2.0 is a direct bolt on for 1.4 equipped rigs? I can't see there being any difference, but I've been wrong many times.

 

[MoGas]

28100‑66040 (1.4KW), 28100‑66060 (2.0KW), and 28100‑66050 (2.2KW) all interchange. If you go to Toyota to get a new starter, you will get 28100‑66060-84, which is a reman 2.0KW. If I had a 1.4KW (1.877431 horsepower), I would definitely upgrade to the 2.0 KW (2.682044 horsepower) to gain darn near a full horse.

 

[MoGas]

Oh, I was wrong. The 2.2 was offered in '93 and '94 along with the 1.4 and 2.0. '95 and up got either the 1.4 or 2.0. They still all interchange.