Starter Issues

[Tyler_True]

Okay so i've been researching and reading other threads about starters on here but I want to be sure and get others opinions before I try anything stupid and f*ck up my car more.

I've been having issues for a while with my car starting. I'll get my car to start kicking, then it just stops and i can hear the starter making a whirling noise. Sometimes it will just make a dry click. After reading other posts I concluded that it must be an issue with the contacts inside the starter? Well recently I tried starting my car, and it did the usual kick over, with a dry click. So i immediately turned my key again, and the engine fired up, but the starter was still firing, trying to kick over my car even though the engine was already running, so I turned the car off and pulled out the key...only to have my starter STILL trying to kick over my off car. Only way I was able to stop it was to d/c the battery. After crawling under my car (in the gym parking lot...), removing my splash shield, and tapping it and it started...though very sluggishly. Now it's just making constant dry clicks and HARDLY or not at all kicking the engine over. Any advice?

 

[Acidmeld]

I think it's time for a new starter. If the starter is just doing a single click and not turning over you can usually just change out the contacts and be good as new. Sounds like now you have a few more problems inside the starter and you'd be better of just installing a new one.

 

[Tyler_True]

So I just read another article that addressed everything I just said weirdly, and gave advice saying that the contacts inside pretty much consist of a copper washer, and 2 copper bolts. it said that I can possibly just flip the washer over, and rotate the bolts 180 degrees to get use out of the less worn sides. any comments on this?

link to the article is: 97 4runner starter stays engaged

 

[jonwilly2]

been there done that but best thing is to replace it.

the design on these starters are kinda half ass. The little clip for the coil is a 90degree fitting thats just pressed in with a bare wire going to the coil. Its also right next to the positive coming in right off the battery. If the starter is really old or had some good hits over time, that little wire can work its way loose and contact the positive for the motor.

I have had the worst luck with starters and in turn i have practically mastered them. I have had that happen once and i could not hear it because of my exhaust. It overheated and melted creating a direct short on the battery. I walked out and it didnt start the battery was toast walked to the parts stor with it on my back, walked back to my 4Runner, found out the starter was not clicking so i pulled it and ash came out when I opened it up.

 

[Tyler_True]

Hm Okay, what should I look for when i buy a new starter?

my 4runner specs:

'97 Limited
V6 3.4 Automatic