New 2nd gen V6 Starter Removal Trick

[kittypiller]

After much searching, and seeing rants about what a bear the starters are to get at on a 2nd gen V6 auto 4WD, I was terrified to tackle the replacement on our new to us '95 limited 4Runner.

Once I was into it the worst thing to do was get the lower(front facing) bolt out. I happened to use a wobble extension on a plain socket from inside the skidplate. It took me a bit of figuring to get the starter out, but I was able to remove the motor mount bolts, and pry the motor up about 1/2". Doing that gave me just enough room to wiggle the starter out through the access hole. Quick hint, if you use a 14mm gear wrench, the top (rear facing) bolt is a breeze!

I hope this info helps anyone else whose dreading the same job.

:whipping2 Just cause i hadda

 

[Hyde802]

Getting the starter our is comparable to this classic puzzle.

 

[kittypiller]

Amen!!

 

[Erizzo]

I just tackled this job on my 95 V6 4wd manual trans 4runner.

The key to the puzzle for me was the exhaust shroud / heat shield needed to be removed.
Only then was I able to get the starter out.

The other thing was the rear top bolt. I had to snake an air ratchet in there (from the wheel well) to get that one out.

Replaced the starter contacts for $12 and free prime shipping. Hope I never have to do that job again.

Victory Lap ND-36SOL Solenoid Repair Kit

 

[identity]

The key to the puzzle for me was the exhaust shroud / heat shield needed to be removed.
Only then was I able to get the starter out.

...

Replaced the starter contacts for $12 and free prime shipping. Hope I never have to do that job again.

The heat shield was the trick for me as well. I had saved the starter for almost-last while dropping the engine back into mine('94 V6 4WD) and thought I'd have enough room, but couldn't quite get it in without pulling the heat shield. I also pulled and set aside a pair of vacuum hoses(wrapped in spiral plastic loom) from the three ADD vacuum valves on the fender to give additional room and to avoid smashing them. I had considered pulling the engine mount bolts but didn't want to go there unless I had to, and the heat shield gave just enough room to worm the starter through.

Erizzo, good on you for rebuilding your own starter. I thought about doing that but didn't have enough faith in my own soldering ability to try it on something so difficult to get to. Maybe when our Odyssey's starter goes bad I'll try that, it's a whole lot more accessible