1998 3rd Gen Flywheel Wear - how bad is this? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

str8flexed · 01-05-2023, 04:22 PM

Unfortunately, the Victory Lap starter contacts/plunger kit that was well recommended came with a plunger that was shorter than the original. After cranking, it would usually grind momentarily before starting. It's been in for a few years (not daily driven) with maybe 100 starts.

I finally figured out maybe that was the issue, pulled out the starter, and put back in the old plunger. It doesn't grind anymore. Still takes 0.5-1.5s to crank before starting.

Anyway, please see the wear on the teeth. How bad is this? Still starts fine, so I don't think I'll do anything about it. Seems like a costly replacement or complicated to DIY.

rdruss · 01-05-2023, 09:38 PM

Not a problem. Keep on "truckin'".

AuSeeker · 01-06-2023, 06:19 AM

Don't worry about it unless it starts grinding again, then it would be time to replace the flywheel.

Keros · 01-11-2023, 04:02 PM

If you wanted to be sure, you could probably paint the faces of a group of teeth, and engage the starter across them. I'm certain the hassle would be getting that group lined back into the window to inspect.

If the tooth contact has removed the entire paint across the flywheel's teeth, the engagement should be great. If it's doing weird stuff, well, you'll know and can decide from there based on how much paint is left on the teeth.

The same method is used to a ring and pinion, I'm sure it would work great here as well.

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