What starter do I need?

pendragon

pendragon

New member
I've got a 1999 4runner, base package, 2.7L engine, automatic transmission. The starter appears to have crapped out. Sometimes when you turn the key, you get nothing, other times, it turns over slooooowly and starts. Today, it turned over super slow and wouldn't crank. I tapped the starter with a hammer, and it cranked right up.

I removed it last weekend and cleaned up the contacts, but I couldn't locate a replacement set locally, so I put it back in. It's still giving me trouble. The alternator is a new denso rebuilt from about 4 months ago. The battery is about that old too, and the voltages seem ok on it, so I'm declaring myself in need of a starter.

Problem is, I am having a devil of a time figuring out which one to get. The original was replaced with a bosch about 8 years ago. I'm not sure if I want a rebuilt denso or a new bosch, or what. I'm also not clear on what kW I need: I'm seeing 1.4, 1.8, 2.0, and there are cold weather options as well. I just want a reliable unit that won't break the bank. I don't have the big three done on this truck, but it's an option in the near future.

Any guidance here would be appreciated.
 
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The best I can do is narrow it down to 2 part numbers.


Fits:
2.7L (1.4kw) starter P/N: 28100-0C010-84 (non-cold spec)

2.7L (1.8kw) starter P/N: 28100-75140-84 (cold spec)

Just need to figure out if your stock one was cold spec or not. Can probably figure that out by checking your vin online

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
It was my understanding that automatic models got the 1.8kw starter.

Why not just go for the most affordable route and see if you can buy a replacement plunger and contacts on-line for your Bosch starter?
 
Keep the one you got, for under 30 buck and two hours of time you can remove and replace the contacts and plunger like mtbtim mentioned. It's truly the best way to go because the OEM starters are great and better then anything you can buy.
 
If it turns slow, the contacts are not the problem. If tapping it with the hammer made it work, the contacts are not the problem.

Brushes!

Still worth fixing instead of replacing.

:humble:
 
IBallEngineer said:
If it turns slow, the contacts are not the problem. If tapping it with the hammer made it work, the contacts are not the problem.

Brushes!

Still worth fixing instead of replacing.

:humble:
Click to expand...

Should have fixed the factory Denso 8 years ago. It would still be working and you would have spent less.
 
IBallEngineer said:
If it turns slow, the contacts are not the problem. If tapping it with the hammer made it work, the contacts are not the problem.

Brushes!

Still worth fixing instead of replacing.

:humble:
Click to expand...

How involved is it to replace brushes on a starter?
 
mtbtim said:
It was my understanding that automatic models got the 1.8kw starter.

Why not just go for the most affordable route and see if you can buy a replacement plunger and contacts on-line for your Bosch starter?
Click to expand...

My 2.7 manual came with a 1.8kw. It was part of the "All Weather Package" from the dealer but I live up north.

To the OP, if your rebuilt isn't Denso you could buy a used one off E-Bay for $30 & buy the parts to rebuild it from Camelback.

There are guys on E-Bay that rebuild Denso's as 2.0kw High Torque starters. I assume they were for some Taco's? Only around $80. I bought one but haven't installed it because I thought my starter was on the fritz but it seems fine now. My truck was slow starting after a few water crossings last year but everything must have dried out.
 
mtbtim said:
How involved is it to replace brushes on a starter?
Click to expand...

Well I've never done a Denso, but the Delcos were pretty easy, you have to pull the armature out, and then after changing the brushes, push them in to their pockets enough for the armature to go back in. Not rocket science, I'm sure there is a you tube video somewhere.
 
I talked to the dealer parts guy, who was pretty helpful, and based on my VIN, he says I could have had a 1.4 or a 2.0, probably a 2.0. I ended up ordering a rebuilt denso 2.0 kW unit because I am in urgent need to get this done and fixed, since our other daily driver was wrecked. As it is, I am going to probably have to rent a car for a few days to ensure my wife doesn't get stranded and unable to get to work one morning.

I would rebuild it if it was a denso, but this bosch unit is pretty corroded inside and one of those long bolts snapped and one of the short bolts holding the cap over the contacts snapped the head off as soon as I turned it, so I have it held together with locktite and a long hex bolt I ground to fit. It's a mess! Lol

My town and the neighboring towns didn't have any 2.0 kW or rebuild kits, and our only alt / starter shop closed recently, afaik. Napa told me they were getting in a denso line of alts and starters, but their warehouses don't have them in stock yet. I bought off amazon and expect it to get in on Tue or Wed.

I mistakenly opened the armature section when i was going to check the contacts, and a fair bit of oil or grease drained out. Is that normal?
 
Last edited:
Update: it has been about a week and the new starter has been giving me crisp starts since I installed it. Model was a Denso 280-0179 remanufactured unit.
 
A Denso (OEM) starter is the only correct answer. Pretty much every aftermarket starter/alternator for these trucks are junk.
 
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