1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

The other day, it was raining really hard. When it does here, the
whole road is covered some places. I stopped at the bank, shut it
off, did my business and started it back up, no problem. But, as
I was driving, I started to hear a clicking sound. It seemed like
it was coming from straight ahead of me in the engine
compartment. I only drove about a mile to a restaurant and shut
it off. I tried to restart it and it wouldn't start. I left
it there overnight. When I returned the next day, it started
right up, but was idling fast. I drove down the road another
short distance and stopped at a store. It continued to idle
fast...something was telling me I should let it running...but I shut it
off. When I came back out, it wouldn't restart again. I
SORT OF sounds like a weak battery. I came back and tried to jump
start it and it still wouldn't start. Could it be the alternator,
starter? I'm sure it has something to do with something getting
wet that shouldn't have. Some wiring maybe? I don't know,
but it's still sitting there and towing and mechanics here are priced
outrageously, so I'd rather get it figured out somehow myself. At
the moment, I'm thinking starter....but would it still TRY to start
(sounds like it's dying) if it were the starter? Any help would
be greatly appreciated!



Thanks,



Shawn

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

My dad thinks it's the distributor, coil or possibly the bendix (if it has one???)

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

I took apart the distributor (cap?). It looked ok, from my minimal
knowledge.... WITH it apart, I tried to start it and it
still did the same thing...turned ignition, cranked at about half of
normal....



I guess the starter is next.....

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

<span class="post">I took the distributor cap off again. I cleaned
out the inside/points and put it back on...same result. So, I spent 3
hours (!) removing the starter. I'm taking it to Napa Auto Parts to be
tested tomorrow....I'll post results. All I know is if it's NOT the
starter, I'm gonna be p!ssed, spending all that time removing it and
having to spend almost as much to put it back on. Wish me luck!





~S</span>

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

mabeys its the starter cylinoid?<IMG src=smileys/smiley5.gif border="0">

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

That's where I'm at right now. I have the starter out and just
have to check it out for myself...but it's been too ugly and cold and
dreary this weekend to do anything....



Thanks though



~S

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

Looking at the starter, it looks like the copper ring and contacts
might need replaced. If not now, they will soon anyway, so I'm just
going to do it while I have it out and see if that fixes it.



Thanks,



Shawn

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

Well, I replaced both copper contacts, put the starter back in, put a
new battery in it and guess what......it STILL does the SAME
thing....half cranks when I turn the key...



~S

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

I replaced the fuel pump today. Then it started right
up!.....BUT, it idled very fast and started to overheat within five
minutes...so I shut it off. And, guess what!? It started
doing the same thing, not starting, making the same half cranking
sound. What's up with this thing?



~S

1st gen 4Runner (’89) won’t start...
 

Traded the non-running '89 and cash to a guy for his running/heavily
modded '85. I'll let you know if/when he figures out what the
problem is.



~S