Car Fire....Almost! (Starter)

[crdean1]

Well, regarding the starter thread, the one where folks suggested replacing the contacts, well, I waited a little too long.

Here's the situation, and I'd love some feedback as to different possibilities. My starter in my 99 4Runner (78K miles) has been acting up, so I bought the contacts a few weeks ago, and waited until today to take the truck to my mechanic to have him change them out and clean the starter.

Well, I thought I'd drive the mile up to my office and drop off my bike so I'd have something to ride home later on. My wife was following me so she could bring me back to the office once we dropped the car off, then she could head on to work.

When I was leaving the house, I had started the truck (after a few tries) and it sounded weird, so I turned the engine off....but the starter was still running (turning over). So I turned the key back to the on position, and the truck started again but still sounded weird. After a few tries to turn it off, I thought I'd just drive to the office and maybe it would turn off there.

I got to the office, and turned the key off. Bad News! The starter was still turning, then slowing , then slowing, then smoking, then smoking like crazy! It was fried. I also noticed, as white smoke was pouring out of my engine, that my battery cables (which I was trying to disconnect at this point) were smoking a bit. I quickly disconnected my neg cable, but it was obviously too late.

I know at this point I'll need a new starter. My question is, what else do you think I might need?

I just had it towed to my mechanic (someone I have trusted for years with all my cars), and he mentioned some possibilities being "torque converter" and "flywheel" among the things he would be checking.

So, what are your thoughts as to and potential costs?

Also, please use this post as reference, when your started starts to go out, fix it immediately!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

thanks for letting us know

Sorry to hear about what has happened. Mine is acting up and I will get on it right away.

Reminds me to get my fire extinguisher mounted in my ride as well.

Sorry I am not familiar enough with this topic to lend any cost advisement.

torque converter as in part of an auto tranny? flywheel is clutch related is it not?

 

[crdean1]

Yes, I'd get at least the contacts replaced right away. It will be a $25 fix instead of a $500 fix, and you can search this forum for more information and a DIY link.


Well, I got my truck back yesterday. Luckily it didn't do much damage. I did have to get a new starter since mine was fried, and they had to repair and replace a few cables. Cost about $450 total (with a Mobil 1 oil change and towing fee).

They had said that the starter, with it stuck in the start position like that, could have ground down the teeth on the flywheel. If that had happened, they might have had to pull the transmission to get to it? Ouch.

Also, with the electrical smoke and wire damage, I am just glad no important electrical components were damaged (battery, computer, etc.)

Anyway, GET YOURS FIXED IF IT STARTS TO GO OUT.

For the record, it was about a two month span of time from the first time it didn't start until it eventually fried itself, so you don't have as much time as you might think.

 

[techno]

The mechanic will probably check the flywheel teeth, since if the starter was running but you were driving on engine power (not starter power) then the starter dog gear is probably stripped and may have damaged the flywheel. I doubt the torque converter is damaged.
Ron, the torque converter transmits engine power to an auto transmission (clutch for a manual) and the flywheel is a big circular plate that the torque converter bolts on to (and a clutch in a manual). The starter motor rotates the flywheel to start the engine. Check out www.howstuffworks.com for more info.