3sgte st205 starter

[ihavelift]

So I got a gen 2 mr2 3sgte starter to replace mine, and it's far too big.

I replaced the solenoid with brand new ones in my current motor, carbon bush seems fine, a day later i was back to whacking it to get it to work.

I cannot be bothered $&#$% around with temp solutions, so does anybody (ants_555? Frank? ANYBODY??) have a st205 starter motor in good condition or know where I can get either a brand new OEM one or one that can replace the current one?

As this is my daily driver this needs to be fixed ASAP so please PLEASE help!

Nick - 021856524

[RunningRich]

Check the cranking voltage you get at the solenoid first. Excessive voltage drop over the wiring is not unknown. I had to install an additional relay in my ST165.

[Akane]

Do you have a MR2 crank pulley?

[ihavelift]

cranking voltage? when it was removed the mechanic hooked it up to one of those mobile car starter battery pack things and checked it on 2 different points and it worked sweet, but a day after he put it back in after replacing the solenoids and the plunger it $&#$% out again and now it's hardly ever starting unless i whack on it for ages.

and no i don't have an mr2 crank pulley, what difference will that make? the mr2 starter won't even fit in the engine bay..

FUUUUUCKing annoying ... apparently a brand new one will be $1000+ so obviously not shelling out for that, does NOBODY have a starter around that I could buy?

[sergei]

cranking voltage? when it was removed the mechanic hooked it up to one of those mobile car starter battery pack things and checked it on 2 different points and it worked sweet, but a day after he put it back in after replacing the solenoids and the plunger it $&#$% out again and now it's hardly ever starting unless i whack on it for ages.

and no i don't have an mr2 crank pulley, what difference will that make? the mr2 starter won't even fit in the engine bay..

FUUUUUCKing annoying ... apparently a brand new one will be $1000+ so obviously not shelling out for that, does NOBODY have a starter around that I could buy?

Here is the thing: if you have to whack it, it is mostly the contact surface inside of the solenoid is stuffed.
What I did on my ST165 (it would pull in but not rotate), I pulled the solenoid apart and polished/sanded the contact surfaces (also lubricate the rod while you there). There will be 3 surfaces: each side of the solenoid, and the disk that bridges them. After that it cranks every time.

[sergei]

What did he replace the solenoid parts with? Brand new or from another second hand unit? The parts are very simple, and have high tolerances. The only reason why it would not work is that it is oxidised heavily or not pulling in completely due to sticking of the "plunger".

[ihavelift]

he replaced it with brand new solenoid parts. so you think sand the contact parts and lubricate the rod (hahahaha oh dear)? ok I'm taking it back and refusing to pay until he $&#$% fixes it.

[RunningRich]

Nothing to do with the starter itself. Check to see what voltage the solenoid actually sees when you are cranking. The Toyota starter wiring route was designed by a pissed village idiot and deteoriates easily, meaning the starter may only see 5-6VDC. This isn't enough to slam the solenoid enough (or even click).

This is enough however to drive a relay of fresh 12VDC direct from the battery.

The ST205 wiring is much better than my old cooked ST165 but I've seen this on a camry too.

[RunningRich]

Forgot to say I found this out after rebuilding the solenoid at significant cost. Feking unique GT-Four parts...

[ihavelift]

it IS clicking though, and the solenoid parts are all brand new, and the carbon bush looks perfectly fine (apparently).

Honestly I have no idea what it is - I turn the key, it goes CLICK but doesn't fire.

Can ANYBODY shed some light or give me some suggestions?

I can't afford $1000+ for a new starter, can I get an aftermarket from somewhere that is compatible with my st205? I'm at a loss eh, this is making me hate my car and want to smash it with an axe.

[®usty]

umm flat battery maybe??

[mr30%jr]

Check the cranking voltage you get at the solenoid first. Excessive voltage drop over the wiring is not unknown. I had to install an additional relay in my ST165.

it wasnt a grey one that got on sold?

3s starters are natorious for not spinning if they dont have enough juice to slap the solenoid across

[ihavelift]

no not a flat battery. and i will check the cranking voltage. hopefully that will fix it.

[ihavelift]

would an st185 starter be a straight swap into an st205?

[Boosted_162]

would an st185 starter be a straight swap into an st205?

Ive swapped starters between both my MR2 (gen 3) and ST185, and they look pretty much exactly the same.

Try talking to Japanese Spares for a ST205 starter, i got my ST205 motor from there and didnt get the starter with it.

[RunningRich]

it IS clicking though, and the solenoid parts are all brand new

Been there, done that, means nothing.

Honestly I have no idea what it is - I turn the key, it goes CLICK but doesn't fire.

Can ANYBODY shed some light or give me some suggestions?

As stated, check the voltage the solenoid sees when cranking! Sounds exactly like the issues my ST165 had.

Another thing to do it put it in gear (ignition off) and push the car forward a foot or so. Then try starting it again. If it starts this supports the theory that the olenoid isn't being plunged out with aenough force to engage the copper contacts.

[ihavelift]

so to get this cranking voltage checked i guess i would take it to an auto electrician? or would a mechanic do?

and if it needs a relay - as yours did - how much would this cost (approx) and how long would i expect for it to take?

[ihavelift]

Another thing to do it put it in gear (ignition off) and push the car forward a foot or so. Then try starting it again. If it starts this supports the theory that the olenoid isn't being plunged out with aenough force to engage the copper contacts.

just took it out for a ride (roll started down my driveway) - still runs mint thank god. When I got back home i turned the car off then tried restarting only to hear click click again. does this mean anything?

either way, once i know whether to take it to an autoelectrician or a mechanic i will be going there and getting this $&#$% thing sorted

[RunningRich]

Got a multimeter that measures voltage? Easy enough to put the lead on the solenoid terminal and read the display while someone cranks. Sparky would be best bet, should be able to install relay in less than an hour.

[ihavelift]

cool, thanks richard