** URGENT ** Question for all of those who have replaced their starter/contacts

Hey TW,

I am replacing the plunger and contacts in my OEM starter that came with the truck. While I was removing it from the front right wheel well (HUGE PITA for the 3.4L trucks), a small rubber peg piece fell off. I got it out and checked the starter over, it looks like there is still one intact on the starter - and I believe it actually ripped off the starter when I was trying to get it out...stupid I know.

So can I leave this peg off when I reinstall the starter? or is this a bigger issue than I think it is? I've never dealt with starters before, so I have zero clue what I'm dealing with. Appreciate your insight!

Here are some pictures of what I'm talking about:
1. Peg that fell off


2. Intact peg on starter


3. Where I believe the ripped peg goes




TLDR: Is this peg going to be an issue if I can't get it back on? Can I leave it off? What does it do exactly?

 

So apparently it's a vent tube that keeps water out, seems fairly important... did I screw myself? at least until I can get another?

 

Superglue or epoxy? It is a vent of some type, if you need to put it together to get someplace, don’t sweat it but do address it at some point

 

For sure, that's what I was thinking too. Some epoxy or silicone should keep it solid. I appreciate the advice, might try to replace it with a universal neoprene cap that I found at autozone...guess there's a million ways to skin a cat.

 

yes, that's a vent to allow moisture out

They are quite fragile, especially when old. They often fall off or break when the starter gets handled

 

Yep, looks like they're kind of hard to source. Though I may be glossing over some options out there, who knows. Right now it's sitting in some JB Weld curing, should be better than new when it sets. Figured the JB Weld would be good stuff for the job...heat, vibration, etc.

 

After reading your post I saw

$6 Toyota Breather Plug - 90930-03136

this. Sure looks like what you have there.

EDIT on November 29, 2020: Looks like the link is now broken.

 

Sure does look similar, might be for the rear diff? Not sure, regardless the JB Weld worked like a charm.

Sadly...I snapped one of the small bolts off that secures the cap to the solenoid housing...so I'm sort of up shit creek now. It's at a machine shop right now, hoping they'll be successful with getting it out

 

Sounds like something that happens to me !!

Though I have many extra starters for parts .

 

Haha it happens to the best of us! I ended up getting it back from the machine shop, which cost $40 bucks and installed it with no issues. The truck cranks first time, every time now! Buuut I just got a battery light on today, so i'm trying to diagnose that now. Looks like the alternator might be weak and/or starting to go. Or there's just some loose connections somewhere, wish me luck!

 

Mine were really brittle and both broke off while handling the starter. I was able to buy new ones from Toyota: 28199-74110. New ones are as flexible as marshmallows.

 

I think those pieces are dust keeper-outers. I wondered about them when I replaced my starter contacts. I would definitely buy some replacements from your friendly Toyota dealer. Prolly have to order them though...

 

I just replaced the starter and the battery on my 2000 Toyota Tacoma. I cannot get the alarm system to reset allowing me to start the truck. I purchased a new key fob and went through the reset instructions to no avail. The truck has a securikey alarm system that came with the truck. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you copy the text from your message, then delete the message, begin a NEW thread, and paste the text you just copied into that, I think you'll have a greater response.

 

Turns out the 40A Starting System fuse was blown. $5 later and she’s up and running! Now to program my new key fob.