Replacing starter on Toyota Tercel 93

[wirawan0]

I had a problem with my starter for a while now. It often won't start, but the solenoid click is still there. So I suspect that the starter itself is the problem. And it was confirmed by a shop here. They wanted to charge me $337 (excluding taxes) on the replacement: $258 for part and $79 for labor. That's ridiculously HIGH! (Another store offered $300 for including the taxes, which is great. Still, I'm not satisfied.)

I asked around, a part store gave me an estimate of $110 and another $140 for the starter itself (both without core charge, but that's fine). You see? The shops overcharged for the starters... I'm now up to replacing the starter myself!

I have a few questions:

1. which type of starter does 1993 Tercel have? Reduction or the other ( motor-solenoid combo(?) ) type? Are they interchangeable?

2. where is the starter located? Is it beneath the web of pipes, between the engine block and the firewall (passenger compartment)? `Cause I can't locate it anywhere in front side of the engine block.

Anyway, if you have any hint or lead, please let me know. How long does it usually take to replace the starter?

Wirawan

[tacoma man.]

buddy my 99 tacoma is doing the same thing. i have found a starter shop that i can take mine to and they will take the starter off, rebuild it, and put it back on for $65. and a new starter is $240. you may be able to find a starter shop in your area that might be that cheap. because when you buy from advanced or autozone the starters and alternator are rebuilt anyway.

[wirawan0]

Interesting. That cheap? Are you in a big city? Anyway, I'll ask if the shop is willing to do a simple rebuild. Perhaps replacing the worn-out brush will do. Who knows? But that's quite a bit of work. I declined to replace the starter myself, considering that the location is so difficult to reach (below the pipes that supply oxygen and perhaps evaporated gasoline to the engine).

[rhynes]

i've done the starters on the late 80's to 1990 but I think the 93 should be the same...

If it's the case, the starter can be found behind the engine, below the intake manifold and is not easy to get out. You'll definitely need a second pair of hands. Took me almost 5 hours solo.

If i'm right, the only thing you should have to change is the brushes. I buy them at the dealership for about 40 bucks a set. once the starter is out, they're easy to change.

You may want to invest in a haynes manual, it'll make your life soooooo much easier. Best money you'll spend.

Good luck

[rhynes]

sorry, not the brushes, the contacts...