Unless I missed it, I don't think anyone has posted a how-to on replacing the starter points on the 1st Gen Tundra V8. So, I thought I'd take a shot at making my own how-to. The first thing I'd say about this guide is that it could be better. If someone wants to add something that would make it better, that would be great.
The replacement of the starter points, or the whole starter, is a very expensive repair because you have to take off the intake manifold to get to the starter which is in the valley of the V8 engine. When mine started going out (around 61K) I called the dealer and he quoted about $1000 for the repair. I usually let the dealer do all the maintenance but I nearly crapped my pants when I heard the price. That is just too much for a starter repair.
I decided to do it myself and take photos along the way. I've gotten a lot of good info from TundraSolutions over the years so hopefully this will help somebody else who's been thinking about DIY starter repair. Either to help you do it yourself or maybe you'll think it's too complicated and the mechanic is justified in charging an arm and a leg.
My background is in mechanical engineering but I'm not an auto mechanic. I've worked on my own auto projects for many years. So I have the basic understanding BUT I'm not a professional mechanic and there may be things I'm missing or mistakes in this guide. USE THIS GUIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
For as expensive (or PITA) as this job is I would plan on doing this few and far between. Last year I pulled the intake manifold to install a TRD Toyota supercharger. As seldom as I ever plan on removing the manifold I bought a new stater and installed it. I figured it was cheap insurance.
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LACK OF PLANNING ON YOUR PART ----------------
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMERGENCY ON MY PART !!
Can anyone tell me where i can buy the starter contacts, are these available only at a toyota dealer or will a local auto parts store have these(are they universal?)
Can anyone tell me where i can buy the starter contacts, are these available only at a toyota dealer or will a local auto parts store have these(are they universal?)
TIA
I saw some non-OEM Tundra starter points for sale on amazon.com for $16.77 but I didn't want to experiment with them.
I got mine from the dealer for 17.22 for the pair of them which I think is good just to be sure you're getting originals and not some crappy alloy. Of course, my originals went out at 61K so maybe the OEM parts are crappy to begin with??
Also, the dealer charged $62 for the pair of manifold gaskets (FYI).
I have to ask, though, why in the name of all that is right and Holy did they decide to put the starter under the intake manifold??
Good grief!
My sentiments exactly. "Select Toyota special service tool first." Apparently Toyota has tremendous confidence in the longevity of the starter or more realistically, they're just looking out for their service departments. That's like performing an appendectomy via the nostril.
Tangential to the subject, Chevy located theirs on the passenger side of the block. I've changed out starters on these in less than an hour. Chevy's had a similar malady with the copper washer on the solenoid plunger pitting. If my memory serves me correctly this washer could be flopped to the other side for a clean contact surface and you were good to go.
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More's Law: If more's good then too much is just right. CBTMA member
I got mine from the dealer for 17.22 for the pair of them which I think is good just to be sure you're getting originals and not some crappy alloy. Of course, my originals went out at 61K so maybe the OEM parts are crappy to begin with??
Also, the dealer charged $62 for the pair of manifold gaskets (FYI).
Hope that helps.
Even with Toyota I suppose defective components can fall through the cracks occasionally. You probably won't have to worry about your starter for a while now. And you know how it was repaired first hand.
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More's Law: If more's good then too much is just right. CBTMA member
Finished installing the new contacts this weekend. Wow what a pain it is just to get to the dam starter! this write up is an excellent guide for those who want to do it themselves. The rest of the starter was in great condition i'm so glad i ended up doing this myself. once i removed the contacts i filed down the contact surface on the starter and it was good to go. In fact i could easily see how filing the old contacts and plunger would have left it in great working condition. I removed the two long bolts to open up the starter and check the 4 motor brushes and the contact surface on the rotating middle part,(whatever its called). Those brushes still have alot to go! It would have been a waste if i bought a new starter for it.
Starter point replacement V8 1st Gen Tundra
Linear Mode
