Are 3.0TD and V6 starters the same?

[Blizzard]

Hello all,

My 4Runner is a 3.0TD with 282.000km. My starter begins to not engage sometimes when it's cold out there.

I've been speaking with my mechanic, he has said me that some brands rebuilt starters and sell them cheaper than new ones and with warranty.

The problem is that here in Spain 4Runners aren't very common and I've been searching in the US eBay and seen some cheap starters, but obviously for the V6 4Runner.

I just wondered if the starter on the two engines is the same, to buy it in the States. I know that usually diesel starters are bigger than gas ones but who knows...

Anyways, seems that are lots of Surfs in the UK and lots more aftermarket pieces than here, do you know where to find rebuilded starters in the UK and the price?

Thanks people!

David

[TonyN]

I have starter repair kits for both V6 and 3.0, and they have different part numbers so something is different, but without measureing both starters I couldn't be sure. Toyota have two different (in KW's and overall size) starters for Surfs, so they might all fit in the same hole on the bellhousing.

[marky]

Have you not tried cleaning the Starters spindle as they get all gunked up with dry greasey type stuff.

[Blizzard]

My mechanic said me that the automatic or the Bendix (Dunno how is it written) are failing and so the pinion isn't engagin properly.

Since the weather has become softer I've not noticed that anymore, but in cold days the starter used to fail.

How much are repair kits?

Thanks,

David

[TonyN]

the repair kits are for the contacts in the soloniod, as these wear out frequently, but are only cheap, about £8 each

Its the cure for the clicking sound and no starter turning when turning the key.

[Blizzard]

Mmm maybe I've a different problem.

Sometimes my starter kicks but it doesn't engage, the pinion seems not to engage in the ring.

If I put a gear in and left the brake a little the truck usually cranks well.

I think this is not solenoid problem isn't it?

Thanks,

David

[TonyN]

Yeah, could be the bendix, or jammed solonoid, or damaged flywheel, or lots of things....

When it doesn't engage, does the starter actually spin but not the engine, or just clicks?

[Blizzard]

Since one month ago my starter works fine, it's only in cold days when sounds.

I turned the key and the starter turned and sounded like if it scratched and obviously the truck didn't crank.

The starter turns because I could hear it turning a little time more since I left the key, turning by the inertia.

Thanks,

David