Starter Woes...

[gR3yWolf]

Here are the piece parts that make up the solenoid assembly. (click on each image to see full size).
When the starter button is pushed the copper surfaces on these two parts come into contact, energizing the starter. These surfaces burn/corrode/oxide causing poor contact. This greatly increases the amount of current required to make the beast turn over, hence the clicking. Cleaning will help, for a while. The long term fix is a higher power starter and stronger battery. Heavier cables will help, too.

 

[gR3yWolf]

PM me if you need assistance with "How to" or part numbers, or...

 

[R3T-Too]

gR3yWolf,
I'm curious about the starter you're recommending.

Is it the complete starter? Including the motor, solenoid, and housing?
Direct replacement without modification?

If so; I'm sure there's a lot of interest in it and posting the part number would be appreciated by many.

 

[gR3yWolf]

You only use the electric motor and solenoid portion of the new starter, and reuse the front hear portion of your Rocket starter. I had to grind down the new starters' plunger rod to match that of the Rocket starter. Not a complicated operation.

 

[Mittzy]

Just wondering, in Aus, what's the replacement 1.4 starter motor and where can I get one?

Hi Gary,
I got mine from an early 2.2lt 4 cylinder camry. Pic with pink pen markings and the description in yellow and you only use the motor part (long bolts) the solenoid contacts are interchangeable but not the plunger.
Also open up the solenoid cover then remove the plunger, i also loosen the remove the contacts and linish/sand the contact areas and replace. When replacing before you tighten it all up push the plunger down onto the contacts to align them for good contact, I them use a sharpie or niko to coat the contact area and push the plunger down and give it a turn to reveal how much contact area i have then make adjustments as necessary.
pic inside the solenoid is how mine came new the contacts are not flat thus reducing the contact area.
Hope this helps

 

[gR3yWolf]

Here's the starter I bought from Rockauto.com $80.79 Brand new. listed for 1999 TOYOTA SOLARA 2.2L L4,
TYC 117774 {#17774, 2810074260, 281007426084} (New) [URL='https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1376812&cc=1357545&jsn=3']Info
OFFSET GEAR REDUCTION; OE Manufacturer: Denso; Power: 1.4KW. Also fits these vehicles

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[gR3yWolf]

Side by side pics (click to see full size) of the Rocket starter and the Toyota starter

 

[R3T-Too]

I bought my Toyota starter from discountstarterandalternator.com. $82 delivered.
New Starter 1999 TOYOTA SOLARA 2.2L

There is a great discussion on starter replace/repair at Inexpensive Starter Replacement
You should add your content there. You're the first I've heard to replace the solenoid and shorten the plunger.

Is the Toyota solenoid a heavier duty unit?

 

[gR3yWolf]

I'm trying to find my pics...seems to me there was more contact surface area on the new starter.

 

[rjsjota]

I found this kit on eblag so I shall await its arrival then take everything off n clean everything up...hopefully this will cure it.

TRIUMPH ROCKET III STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID REPAIR KIT ( 428000-1810 ) | eBay

Thanks for the link. I just ordered one to keep on the shelf. I checked the sticker on the starter motor and it confirmed Denso No. 428000-1810, Triumph No. 1310300.