More and more frequently I haven't been able to start my 99 4runner without giving it several long tries.

The solenoid is obviously working because the starter cranks. But it definitely sounds different--like the engine isn't turning over. It's more of a higher speed/pitched electric-motor-turning-without-load sound. I wondered if it wasn't that the belt was loose/stretched. If it isn't that, is there anything else it could be? Are there gears in the starter or anything that could be stripping?

Your suggestions are appreciated!
Greg

 

Sounds like the gear isn't engaging. It has to stick out to engage.

 

Yeah, starter's bad. The flywheel (on the starter) isn't kicking out to engage the flywheel on the motor it sounds like. So basically your just spinning the starter.

 

It could be that a few teeth on the flywheel are worn down, and the several cranks it takes moves it just enough to catch on some good teeth.

 

If the starter is turning but the engine is not (have someone verify by watching the fan while starting), then it is likely one of three things. 1) your flywheel may have some chipped teeth on it (so starter come out to engage but nothing to engage to), 2) the starter gear may have stripped teeth or 3) the starter gear is stuck so the spinning of the motor does not cause the gear to come out and engage the flywheel.

You can test the flywheel by using a socket to turn over the engine a bit.
That will put the engine's flywheel in a new position and then attempt to start.
If the truck starts , then sorry, you need a new flyweel or just live with it.
If not then it is the starter, just pull and replace it.

 

Either way, better pull that starter and have a look (oh it's fun, believe me!)

I don't think the starter has lost teeth. If it sticks out there and spins, it would catch whenever the teeth come around.

I think it's highly unlikely that the flywheel has lost teeth, although it's possible.

More than likely, the starter simply isn't kicking out every time he hits the starter, and sometimes it does. This is the most common failure of starters it seems, at least that's been my experience.

 

Sweet, thanks to all! Guess I'll pull that thing. Any recommendations on what to replace it with? --just stay away from AutoZone?

Have you had good luck with any particular brand of starters?

Thanks again.

 

As a general rule, stay away from the "discount" auto parts stores (Checker, Auto Zone, Kragen, etc.) for electrical parts. Stick to either the dealer ($$$) or the more high end stores like NAPA, CarQuest, etc. I've never been sold on a lifetime warranty. It seems to me that if a rebuilder build something perfect, he'd build himself out of a job. Build it quickly, build it cheap, and build lots of them seems to be their creedo. Find something with a two-year or so. I've had the best luck with those.

 

Yeah, If I don't do dealer I use NAPA.

Lifetime parts break pretty often and it isn't worth the savings for me to keep replacing the part, even though its free.

 

I've had horrible luck with Autozone parts. Not gonna be using any on my Yota. If possible, look for a shop to rebuild your original starter if this is a possibility.

 

I vote junk yard for a starter.