New Starter Motor

[coffee-3000]

My starter motor is making a horrible screeching sound when the outside temperature is really cold. I think I need a new starter motor. Do you usually replace the starter motor and the solenoid togther as a unit or just the starter motor by itself ?

The Hyanes manual says to remove the two small screws that attach the gear housing to the engine block. But should I only remove the two long screws that hold the starter motor ? I've attached a photo for reference. Thanks again.

[BamZipPow]

The 2 long bolts are fer keeping the electric motor attached to the gear reduction transmission...that wouldn't be a good idea to remove. You'll never git it back together with the rest of it bolted to the engine.

Yer best bet is to remove the 2 short bolts that hold the starter to the engine block. Make sure you remove the ground at the battery so you don't end up welding yer wrench/ratchet to the starter if you touch the positive cable.

It sounds like yer starter isn't engaging the flywheel all the way when yer starting the engine. You might want to inspect the flywheel carefully fer damage...

[coffee-3000]

Thanks for the reply. But are you saying that the whole unit ( motor, solenoid, and gear reduction housing ) will all come out when I remove the 2 short bolts ? And then I should unbolt the motor from the unit and swap in a new one ?

Or do you normally purchase the whole unit when you buy a new starter ?

Sorry for being so dense.

[BMR]

Yep, when you buy a "starter" you get the whole enchilada.

[JohnGD]

Denso reman is about $122 plus core and shipping. But maybe clean and lube the gear portion first and inspect the solenoid contact areas as well to help engage the gears.

See also:
http://www.rav4world.com/forums/88-4...ir-w-pics.html