Best starter for a V6?

225,000 miles and now the starter will occasionally not engage. What is the best brand to buy to replace it? Reliability ranks higher than cost.

 

I doubt you need a new starter:


The weak link on these starters is the Solenoid Contacts which are prone to wear and charring. Indications are one single click and then nothing. That click is the starter relay which sends power to the starter solenoid to pull it in. The solenoid pulls in the plunger that connects the copper contacts for the starter motor power and extends the bendix gear to engage the flywheel. The problem is the copper contacts inside the solenoid are burned and need to be replaced.

The issue can be very intermittent or it can be persistent.

You can buy the contacts and plunger new from Nations Starter and Alternator for about 30 - 35 bucks. Much cheaper than hundreds for a rebuilt POS from Autozone or big bucks from the dealer.

https://www.nationsstarteralternator.com/Starter-Rebuild-Kits-s/37.htm


Check this video for rebuilding the solenoid on the starter. The biggest issue with the V6 Engine and 4X4 is you have to take the starter out through the drivers wheel well area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwokxzjlYcQ

 

Thanks very much for your information. That is the problem this starter has. It is an intermittent non engagement so I bet you are right.

Is that the right link? It shows the kit is for a Dodge diesel 5.9L truck.

 

There are two links on that page the one on the left is for the Tacoma. It says denso.

https://www.nationsstarteralternato...-with-Plunger-2-contact-p/drk rebuild kit.htm

 

I called and they verified that the part #DRK is correct.