nice write up now hopefully i never have to do this

 

It sounds much worse than it really is.

 

I bet you could have saved another $133 by fixing your old starter rather than buying a new (remanufactured) one. Invariably the part that fails in these Nippon Denso starters is a single contact in the solenoid that costs $7.00, and once the starter has been removed as per your description, it is very easy to disassemble and replace this part.

 

Yes, I saw the thread about repairing it but the parts had to be purchased and then sent to me. Try telling my wife she can't have her car for a few days and to find another way to get to work.

 

Nice writup. Thanks

General Tip:

Before you undo an elctrical connection or pipe note or mark the angle at which they attach. When you install the replacement try to get the same angles. This helps in reducing tension on the attachement [if not, at least it is as good as before].


Salim

 

Thanks to AudioMan for the great instructions and props to JAB for mentioning the replacement of the contacts. I went to my local starter and alternator re-builder and bought the 2 contacts and plunger assy for $15. Once you have the starter out, follow these instructions:

http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/instructions.html

It took me a little over an hour from the time I went into the garage to starting the car when done. Fantastic!

 

AudioMan, Great Writeup, and JAB & Willie83 great references for replacing contacts.
HELP - Your comments are appreciated. I plan to do this project this Saturday. Please review this video clip and tell me how your situations were different from the video example of a Honda. (I also have a RX300 1999 with a starter that just clicks 1 out of 5 times just after replacing a new battery.)

I suggest watching it from Youtube in FullScreen. Here is the HD link ( youtube.com/watch?v=cWm8j1SkUD8&hd=1 ) Just pause it for 30sec-1min when it starts to build up the memory buffer.

Watch it in 720p HD Full Screen. Apr 28, 2011 Uploaded to YouTube by TheAlexManVideos
This is how to replace the solenoid contacts in a Denso starter motor. It's easier to just call them up (nationsautoelectric.com) and tell them your car than use their parts finder online.

 

As best I recall from several years ago when I did it, it looks exactly the same; presumably a Nippon Denso starter.

 

Thanks for the diy writing. A great reference.

[QUOTE=AudioMan;2227437]Here is the write-up for replacing a starter

 

I have a 99 RX300 with 174K miles. I've been having the same problem with engine start. A local mechanic says he will replace the starter for $340.

Not sure if the price is right, but the I am not much a DIY guy!

 

That is terribly high....I can tell you the starter is real easy to remove....30 minutes top for remove and replace..

 

Oops. Guess I was a little intimidated by the DIY instructions posted on the first page!

 

I just replaced the solenoid parts using the repair kit from Nations Starter and Alternator.
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html

Current price is $26.95 + $8.00 shipping.
Parts arrived fast. Job is fairly easy. Took me about 1.5 hrs though.
The old parts were very worn down.

I was really surprised by how small and light the starter is. Looks like a little toy.

 

The engine does not have high compression.

I grew up with a diesel car and boy the starter weight a ton ... 50+lbs of copper

Salim

 

Wife had trouble starting the car today. Clicked a few times before it finally turned over and started, and has been starting fine several times since. But, after reading this thread, went ahead and ordered the contacts from an ebay source for $12.95 shipped, and will swap them out.

Thank you all for the info!