Starter having problems after going through deep puddles

Hey everyone!

So this weekend I got to do some off roading, and made a few dumb decisions. For example, I got myself stuck in water that was deep enough to start comin gin through my door seals. Twice...

That was Saturday, and I had no problems. Yesterday (Sunday) the starter would hesitate for a second, and then eventually sputter to life. Today it did nothing the first 2 tries, then eventually holding the key, it was able to weakly start my truck. I should also note that yesterday I washed the truck, and did spray the engine bay. I just used the DIY washer wand so not a full power power-washer, and avoided the battery and alternator, however I did do some spraying elsewhere in the bay

I'd like to avoid jumping directly into "Replace it" if possible. What should I be checking? Unfortunately I am at work at the moment and can't get too deep into things, but wanted to get some opinions here. Thanks everyone!

tl;dr Got my truck real wet, now the starter is weak. What do I check first?

 

I'm so dumb, I was wondering how you know my name and the year of my truck, but then realized it's all by my username. Unfortunately I have no idea how to bench test it. Looks like a new starter is under $100, I might as well just replace it. Sometimes I forget how old this truck is, being 1 owner, dealership serviced, and babied. Until it got to me, at least...

 

water that deep can effect wheel bearings .....both axles

exhaust cats

breather tubes trans & axles

sometime when outback its not known how deep the hog wallows are

until U are in & Ur nadz are getting wet ..................

U need to have a program whereby U can check bumper to bumper after a good power wash

while Ur sitting hi/dry at home in driveway

a good inspection will save U component failure

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/alabama-thread.37848/page-7616

Here's what yours will most lilky look like when you open it. I replaced the contacts and cleaned the inside. Sprayed some wd40 in there to drive out the rest of the moisture. Haven't had an issue since.

 

Pull it apart and clean things now that all the dirt is dried things don`t conduct through mud.

 

I've killed 2 Toyota Starters just like this, it's full of crap.

 

I bought a reman just in case, do you guys recommend even attempting to clean out a 15 year old starter, or just replace it outright? Seems like a pain to get it in and out, I'm hesitant to tpull it, clean it, put it back, only to possibly have to pull it again and put a new one in...

 

Lol, OP states please no replace it suggestions, gets repair advice, replaces it anyway

I have several 1970’s Honda bikes with original starters so yes, 15 years is nothing.

Benchtest with jumper cables to a different 12V battery with sufficient amperage.

 

I think there is a difference between "I'd like to avoid replacing it if possible" and "please no replace it suggestions". I came her for advice, did more reading, and am now in a financial position to replace it. I don't really see the problem with that

 

Autozone/advance auto parts/OR will bench test for free

 

I never would have guess that, thanks man!

 

But it takes longer to drive there and back than doing it yourself

 

I honestly don't know how to bench test it lol. Just send power through and see what happens? I have an experienced friend helping me out, we are going to open it up and see if it looks like we can clean it out, and replace if needed. The last week it has been hard to start, this morning it didn't start at all, had to bump start it down a hill lol

 

Yes, just like that. When installed it’s grounded to your engine block so attach the black jumper clamp anywhere (but do this last) on the shell when on the bench. Red cable on the 12V positive stud.

 

https://youtu.be/MYmlLKz_yoA

 

This is actually the video I learned from!

 

Myself Yes I would pull it out inspect things after cleaning replace needed parts

Because I always have them on hand.


Rebuilt Denso better then any big box store electrical parts.

 

I've killed 2 as well. These trucks should not be driven through water or shown in commercials going through water.

OP, i think your starter will be completely dead in 2 weeks. It's a $200 part and a half day, so don't feel too bad. Just make sure you buy an OEM replacement.

If you want to try to salvage it, clean the electrical connections and some compressed air. Make sure the rubber vents aren't clogged on the starter. Post a picture of the engine bay so we can see how bad it gone in there.

 

So I opened my old one up, it was absolutely gross. So much black dust and crud everywhere. Not to mention my contacts looked like a penny that sat in a dirty cupholder for years. I had what Oreilly's said was an "Ultima remanufactured starter" but it said Denso on the side so I'm pretty happy. Cranks like a champ now

It actually left me stranded yesterday on the way to work. I have been parking on hills though so I can pop start it when it finally goes (Manual master race!). On the way home some loyal employees helped me push start it

It took about 2 hours to do, and that was doing it in the dark in a driveway. I don't know why everyone says you have to drop the front driveshaft, exhaust manifold, take it apart in the engine bay, etc. Once the bolts were out, it took maybe 5 minutes of finagling to just pull out of the driver's side wheel well

For anyone looking to do the job in the future

Remove the driver side wheel

Loosen the two 12mm bolts holding the brake line

Disconnect the 2 electrical connections to the starter

Take out the 2 bolts holding it to the motor

The entire thing will come out. It fits, I promise.

Now do it in reverse with a new starter