Starting Issue - Starter?

Hey all, my 1st Gen has been having issues starting lately. Here's what it sounds like. Sometimes it almost sounds like metal on metal briefly.

Battery is new, charge and connections seem fine. Spark plugs and cables are less than 6 months new. I had replaced the contacts on the starter about 1 year ago. Mileage is 299,550. Once it starts, it runs perfectly. Sometimes it starts perfectly as well.

I'm thinking I either need to re-replace the contacts or maybe even a whole new starter? Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

I found this starter diagnosing guide on RockAuto. I'm going to try running through it.

 

I listened to your video and I don't think the noise comes from the starter contacts. Usually when the contacts go bad, you'll turn the key to Start and will only hear a click (if that), then nothing.

Been there, done that.

If I were in the same situation I would consider replacing the entire starter, especially considering how much of a drag it is to remove and replace it.

(It also sounds to me like the cranking speed is considerably slower than normal. Weak battery???)

 

I think you're right. I'll triple check the battery and alternator but last I checked they were fine.
I've ordered a reman Denso and am going to swap it out to see if that fixes it.

Unfortunately I have the 4x4 Auto V6, which I've read is the more difficult version to replace the starters on. A game of twister to get the starter out of the engine bay. Last time I did the contacts, I just did it in the engine bay. Hopefully I can pull it out without too much difficulty this time...

 

Does anyone know if I have to have the front end jacked up to remove the sway bar? Or can I remove the sway bar with the truck on the ground?

 

Well old starter is out. That sucked.

I spent a couple of hours trying to pull it from the top then from the wheel well with no success. For the 3.4L V6 4x4 Auto Trans, you can't pull it through the wheel well like most of the videos or guides show. The two brake line tabs are welded to the frame so you can't move them. I ended up dropping the anti-sway bar and pulling it out that way (gear side towards engine, then rotated 90 degrees so plunger is perpendicular to engine and pulled out towards passenger wheel). The anti-sway bar was intimidating initially because my lack of knowledge, but actually pretty easy. I didn't need to use a jack or anything. Truck was on the ground. Just (2) 12mm bolts for each center bracket (4 bolts total) and then (1) 14mm nut on each side (2 total). I'll probably replace the bushings while it's off too. I also inspected the flywheel and it seems OK thankfully. No missing teeth or anything.

Hopefully the new starter goes in easier...

 

Just take your time and you'll be alright.

 

Got the new starter in and it starts perfectly now. I went with the 1.8kw and it's a bit bigger, but I was able to squeeze it in.

I was replacing the bushings on the sway bar, and snapped the end link on the driver side when trying to take the bolt off... now I have to wait a few more days for the new one. At least the starter is finished!

 

How’s that starter been working for you so far? I might be doing the same thing soon. Saw two Denso options on rock auto for 1.8kw and 1.4kw I believe. What’s the difference?

 

Works perfect. Starts first try every time without any issue. I love it.

The 1.8kw is longer by an inch or so (so even more difficult to squeeze into the engine bay, but still possible). Plus it's made for colder temps by being .4kw greater. Everything else is the same as the 1.4kw (ie. plug, bolts etc.).

 

Don't know why I forgot to mention this...

Timmy the Toolman has an excellent video showing how he removed and replaced his starter.

You are not alone in your efforts to get the thing outta there and up thru the engine compartment.