Another starter thread, sorry folks

Hey folks I have tried everything to determine if this a standard or cold weather spec starter other than remove it because it’s my only vehicle. Now unlike most folks I can’t even determine by the starter itself because the part code is somehow wore off! Can anyone tell by these pics which starter it is so I can order the contacts? There seems to be a V4 or 1/4 symbol kinda legible but probably means nothing? Toyota shouldve just put the cold spec one on all Tacomas!

 

The cold spec starter has a much longer body and is much more of a pain to change.

The Automatic Starter is the Cold weather manual Transmission starter .

No clutch to disconnect the trans and case higher output starter

That is a Reman starter those numbers only have meaning to who rebuilt it and sold it.

I looked for one to measure I think it is Hiding .

 

Well it says Denso on the label? I noticed newer Tacoma’s have a red label, but mine is a 96.It, is what came on it,never changed it. I can just start to make 2800- out on it but then the crucial part of the number is just not there. Heat from the manifold has dry rotted it so bad. Ive been told everything that only autos have the cold spec one and only manuals, and then the location of your window wash reservoir will tell you if it’s cold spec truck. I guess I will just have to either buy both 1.4 and 1.8 kit . I have heard the 1.8 is longer, I wish I knew measurements. Thanks man

 

Are the contacts and plunger different between the two? The local auto electric repair shop will have the contacts and plunger too. So if you had a way to still get around you could pull the starter, open the solenoid and pull the contacts and plunger and take with you to the shop. The Stealership parts dept may have them as well but they usually charge like 30 bucks for em. The contacts and plunger are parts that are okay to use non oem. They're very standard type parts

 

If you are just looking for contacts the kits provide contacts for multiple starters. I had to rifle through the box to find the ones I needed...

 

Well I have been told the plunger is different length on the cold spec. Starter? And yeah It’s my only vehicle. This little town I live in would be a miracle if they had contacts.

 

I think they wanted $70 for plunger and contacts from Toyota of Somerset which is literally 75 feet from my house, they don’t have em in stock anyway. Don’t think I will pay that for two pcs of copper and the plunger. I will check our electrical store just for the heck of it.

 

I know what it's like to have few local choices for immediate parts supply. May I be so bold as to suggest ordering both online and returning the UN used part or just eating the additional expense for peace of mind and expedited repairs.

 

Yeah black dog that was what I was considering doing since they are so cheap on Ebay and Amazon. If my local electrical supply doesn’t carry them I will have to.

 

I got mine at Napa. Asked for a starter contact kit for my truck and they dropped it on the counter. If I remember right it was maybe 14 bucks

 

Which starter did you have? The 1.4kw or 1.8kw cold duty?

 

Beats me, they didn’t ask. I hadn’t heard of one before an hour ago. I imagine the contacts are the same, even if the plunger is a different length it’s not like it goes bad, maybe crudded up....

 

Well sounds like you got lucky in the 50/50 toss up! My kits are supposed ti be here tomorrow, hope to get it knocked out and behind me, I don’t look forward to contortions needed to get the starter out.

 

On the 3 Toyota starters that I've 'rebuilt', just replaced the contacts and plunger, but on all 3 of em I could've likely sanded down the pitting around the edge and cleaned up the carbon and crap and been able to reuse the plunger.
So I guess what I'm saying is worst case scenario you can clean up the contact ring on the plunger and keep using it. Just as an FYI and so you don't feel too stuck without options is all

 

Oh crap, I just noticed yours is a 6 cyl... good luck

 

Yeah that will be plan B, I have both size kits coming I will let you all know what happens.

 

Thank you everyone for the replies. I will let you know how it goes soon as I get a chance to work on it. Also got to change brake pads,shoes and the fuel filter so I am gonna be expecting something to tear up after I do all this stuff.

 

Your starter looks OEM to me. If you have an automatic you have the 1.8kw starter. If you have a manual, you could have either the 1.4kw or 1.8kw starter depending whether or not your rig came with the cold weather package. The cold weather package provides the higher kilowatt starter.

I don't know if you seen my video yet on pulling the starter and replacing the plunger and contacts but here it is. This was done on a 3rd Gen 4runner but it should be essentially the same for you Tacoma.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI

 

Yeah Timmah I seen your video it was great, saw the issues you had getting the contacts. Mine is an auto, it has the window washed reservoir down inside fender well like it has cold weather package. I have kits for both 1.4 and 1.8 ordered and seller will let me return one I don’t need. I will let everyone know how it goes maybe a few pics. Thanks everyone.

 

Ok folks I ordered my starter solenoid parts yesterday they arrived today before noon, free shipping! So far so good. The picture above is the kit designated for the 1.8kw cold spec starter. The picture below is the kit for the standard 1.4kw. And last is a comparison between the two plungers. I measured with dial calipers the armature on both are same diameter, the top and bottom shafts are where the differences are. Both kits came with numerous different contacts. Will let you know when I get a chance to install sometime this week.