80 starter issue? or not?

[Douglas S.]

Heh, my starter is 4.5kw, 24V.

I just kind of pop the key up and immediately release it. Starts extremely quickly.

To the OP: I would pull it and have it checked out. You don't want to be worrying about it for your entire journey.

 

[Schattenjager]

It is nearly impossible for this particular Toyota starter to spin without engaging. ... 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.

I do get the sound of trying to start a running car - but only when uber bone cold of course. BUT, if the flex plate were missing teeth or otherwise bad, how would it ever start again if the flex plate isn't moved to a better spot? It would seem to my overly simple mind that the starter would be never be able to access a different part of the plate for engagement unless something moved.

 

[MoGas]

Either way, it would be the easiest to pull your starter and swap the contacts. 130k is pretty good for originals. Get the number off your starter and call Dan for the parts. If your starter number is 28100‑66040, I'd just get a Toyota reman so you get a 2.0 KW.

 

[workingclass]

I'm having the exact same issue. I have a 94 LC and its been really cold in the mornings. Same sound. Spins but no engagement. Swapped out a 6 year old battery for a new one but this a.m. same thing. Will check the contacts first, opt for a 4.0 starter as last resort.

 

[Schattenjager]

Had the Anchorage stealership check it. It's just the cold. The starter can spin normally without fully extending the engagement gear. It gets hung up due to the lube nearly solidifying. Replacing with upgraded starter may or may not help this situation. A good cleaning and re-lube with synthetic is the most common cure up here. My battery is a near new 1160 CCA DieHard Platinum and the starter passed the test a few times. I installed a 400w block heater (driver side front plug above the oil filter) and no more issues.

In a pinch you can use a heat gun etc to warm the starter a little. If you already have a block and oil heater, then it might be time for a rebuild!

 

[Pskhaat]

Like I said (and granted I'm not as constantly in the cold as you) I've never had a problem even with the small power starter even in the coldest, frozen conditions. I have a block heater, two battery heater plates, trickle-chargers, as well as a couple oil pan heaters and I can draw a good 10-11 amps from 120VAC when fully plugged-in, total overkill I know for not living in the arctic, but it sure is nice to start the truck near warm in -40F.

Anyway, without any shore power, I've had my 80 buffet a crazy winter RAIN storm abreast that then dropped about 60F overnight in the oncoming blizzard. The whole truck was frozen to the ground and all of the inside of the engine compartment was packed with ice and hard snow, all the way up to the batteries. Took hours to chip the tires and frame out. Standard fare surely for you up there but my point is that even with the starter literally frozen--though it barely turned--it did not exhibit what you're describing. I do think it is time to tear it down, regrease (?) it shouldn't take too much (?) but you might as well change those starter contacts...

 

[Schattenjager]

Alaska is a beautiful place, but Anchorage is not the place for me. After living nine years in Colorado, the four years off and on up here have seemed punitive. But I digress.

Thanks to Dave's great write up, I will plan on a rebuild and see about getting some syn grease in there at the same time. But it will wait for more hospitable conditions.

Also learned that a trickle charger will warm a battery as well as top it off.

Like I said (and granted I'm not as constantly in the cold as you) I've never had a problem even with the small power starter even in the coldest, frozen conditions. I have a block heater, two battery heater plates, trickle-chargers, as well as a couple oil pan heaters and I can draw a good 10-11 amps from 120VAC when fully plugged-in, total overkill I know for not living in the arctic, but it sure is nice to start the truck near warm in -40F.

Anyway, without any shore power, I've had my 80 buffet a crazy winter RAIN storm abreast that then dropped about 60F overnight in the oncoming blizzard. The whole truck was frozen to the ground and all of the inside of the engine compartment was packed with ice and hard snow, all the way up to the batteries. Took hours to chip the tires and frame out. Standard fare surely for you up there but my point is that even with the starter literally frozen--though it barely turned--it did not exhibit what you're describing. I do think it is time to tear it down, regrease (?) it shouldn't take too much (?) but you might as well change those starter contacts...

 

[Schattenjager]

Follow Up

Ever since the installation of the block heater, there has been no issue at all, regardless of temp or lack of it.