Recent content by jranger35

I would never buy a used car from a dealer. First of all, they're going to tell you exactly what you want to hear (rent the movie Used Cars for a comedic example). Rust spots or whatever on a car from Arizona? Give me a break. I bought my 98 limited used from a private party in Illinois, and...

Kabal, any chance you can post those photos here so we can see the steps? I've only replaced a HG on a civic.

Pretty much sounds like my problem, but I won't make any guarantees. Mine is the same year, a 98. Google Toyota 4runner starter contacts and take your pick. They cost me $20 plus $5 for shipping. I couldn't find them at any of the major auto parts stores (hmmm, $200 for a new starter or $20 for...

Thanks 2000se. That's why I did it-- because if you have your 4runner long enough, you'll have to do this (at least if you want to save some cash) and it's easier if you can pinpoint the problem and then understand the steps to fix it. One thing that I want to add. You can get the top 14mm...

If you want to do the job twice you could. Look at the groove created in the dirty contact--that is not supposed to be there. Compare it to the top one, and you realize that the plunger, over time, has created that groove from constant yet mild grinding. The contacts need to be replaced when...

That's the price of the belt, plus a little extra thrown in for beer money! That's a great deal. The first time I did it, it took me 6 hours, the second time, 3.5. The tool I mentioned is only 25 beans online, and if you do the water pump I think it costs 175-200, but I can't remember exactly...

I'd put off changing the timing belt until your water pump starts making that "squeak, squeak, wrrr, squeak" sound. I switched my belt when I replaced the water pump. If you do it yourself, you have to have a special too to compress the tensioner pulley. Best of luck if you don't buy that...

Starter Contacts Yep, it was the starter contacts. If you ever need to do this, all you need to do on a 3rd Gen. 4runner is: --Before anything, remove ground cable from battery. 1. Remove the front passenger tire. 2. Remove the clips holding on the splash guard, remove splash guard. 3...

I've read a lot of posts about a similar (if not the same) problem, and the starter contacts seem to be the culprit. I've ordered some, and I'll post the results when I'm done next week. In the meantime, I thought I'd ask if any 4runner owners have done this procedure and their thoughts and...

I think we can rule out battery drain. I disconnected the ground cable last night, and this morning it acted in exactly the same way. Any thoughts???? This is really stumping me.

I've got a new battery and the test shows battery good, starter good, alternator good. It seems like a drain to me. In the mornings the engine slowly cranks a couple of times like the battery is discharged (and sometimes it won't even crank--I have to wait a few seconds and try again), but...

Good to hear!

My friend has an 88 with a new rebuilt engine (fuel-injected) and tranny. He just put the engine in a couple of months ago, it used to run great, but now there's some sort of problem when you start it cold. It starts jerking and dying, surging forward and then stalling until the engine gets over...

Could be the head gasket, with water leaking into the cylinders after the thermostat opens. Happened to me on a civic once. What a pain to replace!

My friend has an 88 with a new rebuilt engine (fuel-injected) and tranny. He just put the engine in a couple of months ago, it used to run great, but now there's some sort of problem when you start it cold. It starts jerking and dying, surging forward and then stalling until the engine gets...