2000 4runner starter problem

[dancingbear]

I start my 2000 4runner and the starter is slow. voltage is at 12.5 volts. I can start it 3 times in a row (getting slower each time) then it sound like a machine gun , solonoid clicking rapiddly then it wont do anything but click. I replaced the battery, same problem. I cleaned the battery cables shiney and put back on. same problem. I can jump from another running car 14.5 volts and it works every time but turn the car off and we go back to the original problem Starter was replaced in march 2010 I also checked both batteries i used, with a load meter OK It seems the magic number is 14.5 volts I read some where that the problem might be in the wiring harness and you have to move the starter relay from the fuse box because of high impedence or replace the harness(very expensive) any one done this???
Help

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

First question - What kind of starter was put back on as replacement?

 

[dancingbear]

Not sure it was done by Tuffy auto. rebuilt most likely?

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

That is the first thing I would find out then. My guess is they put on an el-cheapo aftermarket starter, and it's already going Tango Uniform.

The contacts on the factory starters are known to wear out around 150k miles (tons of threads here if you search), and they are pretty simple to fix. However, most places can't be bothered to do the simple contact replacement and simply put in a different starter (including dealers, but at least they usually use rebuilt OEM). Most of the aftermarket ones are wimpy pieces of junk, and NOWHERE near as heavy-duty as OEM. I have seen this first-hand just this past weekend.