1991 Toyota XCab Starter

[cterry195]

I'm trying to diagnose a starting problem and wanting to pull starter and have it tested. I have unbolted it from engine but for the life of me can't get the starter away from engine. There doesn't appear to be room at bottom of engine or front. Does anyone know if something has to be removed or what the trick is?

[Jayota]

Which motor do you have?

Remove the access panel in the passenger side fender well to get some more room. It takes some rotating and finagling but the starter will come right out.

Try rotating it and flipping it over as you route it out. Its tight but very doable.

[cterry195]

I have the 22re 4 cylinder. I've seen some postings about removing the panel but it said that would be for a V6 or 4wd. When I removed the front right passenger tire to help with access there doesn't appear to be a panel on my truck. I've tried pulling from underneath the truck and out the front toward the radiator, etc.. I've twisted, turned and everything else and just can't make the room. There has to be a trick!!

[Jayota]

there is a small panel, its on both v6 and 4cyl trucks. Its kinda hard to see.

Look at this picture, the section of inner fender right over the shock. It is in that location on the passenger side.

[cterry195]

Yes, I noticed that this panel had already been removed in the past because there is an identical piece that exists on the drivers side. Even with it removed, there is still not a large enough gap for the starter to come out in that area. I'm puzzled, I saw another posting where someone had disconnected the aluminum tubing on the bottom of the engine to remove the starter.

[Jayota]

I got it out of my 1995 22re 4runner with no body lift.

There is a way. Do unbolt some wiring clamps and such to provide some additional wiggle room

[cterry195]

Maybe I should take a picture of the area and post it and compare. If the complete starter assembly is supposed to fit thru that space I don't see how but maybe. I've also seen some posting where somebody actually had to remove the fender lining to get it out?

[Jayota]

It doesnt come out that end, that just gives you some additional room.

The starter comes out where ever you can slip it out. I don't remember the exact location that I did mine.

[cterry195]

Yes it made getting tth starter unbolted easier but that's it.

[Jayota]

figure it out??

[T-Yoda Enthusiast]

I have the v6 in mine, and I simply disconnected one motor mount and jacked up the engine an just enough to slide the starter out. Worked like a charm, although you have to support the engine so you don't get your fingers caught in there, should the engine / jack move.