Replace or Repair Starter??

[kennman475]

I have a 91 Corrolla, went out yesterday and it wouldn't start. Had my son try to start it and I tapped the starter with a hammer. It started right up and even started last night when I tried it again - this time without the use of a hammer.

What is the benefits of repairing the starter (I've seen kits on Ebay) vs replacing the starter - other then about 30 dollars?

The cheap gene in me says repair, but I don't want to put in a temporary fix and then have to shell out the money in another six months for a new starter.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Kennman

[AzN-BriaN]

save ur money and take it to autozone to get it tested

[kennman475]

Originally Posted by AzN-BriaN

save ur money and take it to autozone to get it tested

I was told if you can tap it (the starter) and it starts, then the starter is going out.

If that is wrong, and the starter is not bad, what else should I be looking at?

[Flashmn]

If you tap it and it starts it probably is only the solenoid.

[kennman475]

Can that be replaced without removing the starter?

[tracerich]

Usually the only thing that goes wrong with the starter is two copper contacts for the plunger, within the starter motor. Either way, replacing the motor, or replacing the contacts, it has to come off the car. The contacts are like .50 cents, you just have to find a place to sell them to you. You can get contact kits from the dealer, but they include contacts, washers, retainers and such, when all you really need is the contacts. Any electrical rebuilder who works on alternators and starters should have them. Every Toyota that I repaired the starter on, was because when you went to start it, it would go 'click', maybe 3 times in a row, if you kept on trying to start it with the key, eventually it would start. The contacts wear out.

[freakinbox]

it might even be the contacts like he said. Pull it off the car and open the spot where the contacts are. If they are worn. THen thats your problem. Cost me about $23 for the one contact. Toyota parts people were dumb and making it difficult to order the part so I ended up with one for a 92 and up corolla but I trimmed it and now it works. It's a really easy fix

The easy way to tell is if when you turn the key if you heat a click but get nothing. Since the click is the solenoid.

Lastly you are going to have to take it off to repair it

[kennman475]

All,

Thanks for the advice

I guess I know what I'll be doing with my weekend!!

[richbaker]

yeah! tnx for the tip guys!

[91boz]

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...oid+Repair+Kit