Starter dying?

[Ruflyf]

I dont think its the starter though since its only doing what its suppose to do when there is 12volts going to it. The problem is going to be a relay/ignition problem I believe.

EDIT: sorry misunderstood I think, rereading it you mention the starter is not retracting. Now that I read it paying attention this time, if the starter is just free spinning and not retracting then yes its definatey the starter when could probably be cleaned and lubed and be just fine. However if its not disengaging because its getting 12v still then my other suggestions stand.

[volume311]

Cleaning/lubing the starter? I'll look into that. The ignition isn't sticking, sorry for that poor explanation, I really wasn't sure how to pose the question. Couldn't really explain it properly. When the starter failed to retract I turned off the engine and started it back up several times before it actually retracted properly.
But that only happend twice. Now it is mainly that I when I turn the key there's a *click* the solenoid popping the starter out and nothing, try it couple more times and it fires up.

I am kinda confused on why it'will take several tries to start initially, but starts right up later in the day after being driven. I will video tape the shenanigan tomorrow on my cell phone and post it.

I thought maybe the solenoid is on it's way out or maybe something in the circuit is losing it's legs like the ballast(don't even remeber what that does)?

[Ruflyf]

Volume, k, it sounds like the plunger is sticking, probably due to road grime etc. Take some carb aerosol cleaner, spray the plunger, spring, etc down real good after you have taken it apart. Apply a light layer of silicone grease to the inside sleeve, should work good as new again.

[volume311]

Ok , I went ahead and got a "new" to me starter from a salvage place and threw
it in.

I opened up the "bad" starter and I am pretty sure i could've gotten away with just replacing the contacts in the solenoid. But since the plunger did stick, a coat of grease would be necessary too. And now I just found this site http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/index.html. The solenoid assembly from that Toyota is almost identcial to the Isuzu one.


So if you're having a problem where starter will click and not turn over until a couple more tries, give this a try first before dropping $$$ on a starter. Mine only cost me $80 but the new one's from isuzu are +$230.