Starter problem - spins but wont engage

[subedoo]

Hi Folks, I have a 'high performance' 89 toyota corona diesel wagon, the starter has been on the way out for a couple of years, the starter engages sometimes, not others.

I pulled it put, cleaned all the contacts etc, put it back but it still does it.

Anyone else had the same issue??

[RS13]

More than likely that the teeth are worn on the pinion gear on the starter motor, or the solenoid that pushes the pinion gear is knackered, and not pushing the pinion out far enough to connect with the ring-gear on the flywheel/flexiplate. I'm going to hazard a guess that your Corona has done well over 200,000km.. so just replace the starter motor. If it still does it, you need a new ring gear.

[Bling]

get it tested by an auto electrician, shouldn't cost ya anything. I had starter problems and ended up buying a new one for less than repair, so get it checked first by someone in the know

[subedoo]

Yep, shes done a over 200k, good luck finding one that hasn't! Thanks for you help.

[macabre]

prob solenoid. wrecker ftw

[matt dunn]

nope, you are all wrong,

very common problem on toyota diesil's

the one way clutch is buggered.

They are so much of a problem that we do a clutch in every exchange diesil toyota starter that we do.

[subedoo]

Cheers Matt, whats the deal with fixing them, can they be reconditioned or is it a replacement part?

[matt dunn]

a replacement part.

There are cheap ones and expensive ones,
cheap ones dont last,
and make sure it's specifically a diesil clutch as they are stronger as a petrol one will fit at 1/2 the price and may only last a few months.