Making my starter fit

Hello my name is melinda and I am new to the forum and I purchased a 1995 4runner V6 2 Wheel Dr. and I have replaced the water pump and timing belt timing belt tensioner timing belt pulley by myself and was successful.

I’m currently having a problem with my starter it seems like it’s not engaging properly and it’s raining and I don’t want to damage either part and I’m wondering if there’s any suggestions on what I can do to maybe maneuver my starter so it fits in properly.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Welcome! Wish I could help but have never had to replace mine. Hopefully someone will respond soon with tips.

 

Ya I let the dealer do mine. It’s tight...,,

 

There’s not really any way to adjust how the starter fits, it either fits or it’s wrong. They don’t use shims or anything. Is it a new starter that doesn’t fit properly? Is it your stock one that just crapping out? If it’s one that failed on you you can try 2 things. First is get a pry bar, preferably one with a striker cap and hit it with a hammer against the starter while someone is inside turning the ignition switch, if it starts, your starter is bad. The proper way is to test for voltage from the signal wire to verify your ignition switch is working. Disconnect the signal wire, it has a black plastic connector, ground a test light and and probe the connector, if the light comes on while turning the ignition switch, then you know for sure that the starter is bad.
FYI if you do the starter there’s an access panel in the right fender well to get it out. All you need is a swivel socket, a long extension, a wrench and patience, it’s tight but you can get it out of you maneuver it just right. Also with the starter out it would be wise to rotate the crankshaft by hand to make sure that the ring gear on the flex plate is ok.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Did you visually make sure you have the same exact starter? I'm not picking, you didn't say if you got the parts from Toyota or a parts store, point is, some of the parts guys were working at McDonalds last week, and you'll have to verify.. visually.. you have the right parts, I've been disappointed too many times by 'free delivery' when I order parts, which is often. Now I have to run to the parts store with the old part...it's all good. Just verify.