on starters . . .

I have a 1997 4WD 3.4 SR5 manual.

The starter just gave up the ghost, after 270K miles. The local Toyota dealer has a starter, but it is the 1.8kw version, which was apparently for colder-climate vehicles. Is there any disadvantage to this? The parts guy at Toyota said it would fit, but I thought I would check - it was hard enough getting the 1.4kw version out through the frame, brake lines, etc., and I hate to fight something into place that won't work, especially as I assume it is a bit bigger.

Anyone have experience here?

 

Why not repair your starter?

It's way cheaper.

But yes that other starter will work.

 

I agree with repairing it. Usually the contacts are worn and a simple rebuild kit will remedy the situation. The only reason to replace the entire unit, is if you have a broken gear or shaft.

 

Mine took a dump a year ago, just needed the contacts replaced, got a kit from Napa, harder to get the starter off than to replace the contacts.

 

Probably just a little more power to deal with thick oil during cold weather. But I agree with the others saying just repair yours if you can.

 

Same physical size just able to handle higher amp load longer and I am going to guess the windings are of a heaver gauge wire, it will fit right in.

 

Easy for the OP; his vehicle is a manual which is a cakewalk.

Only a little more difficult with an automatic 4x4 to fish it out but not difficult at all generally speaking.

 

The parts kit I used.



Where the starter will come out.



The two bolts that need to be undone, aside from the obvious plugs and whatnot.



The innards.



Plunger, new vs old.



Contacts, new vs old.





New innards installed, ready to go back in.



Easy job.

 

Great write with pictures. Someone should sticky this.

 

That's the shortened version, got more pics and details in one of my threads here

 

Checkout Tim's video on this on Youtube.

Yeah, don't throw it away. A used TOYOTA starter is probably better than anything from a parts store.