Heavy Duty Starter Motor

allein,
I have found starter motors very reliable, but they do only last a certain service life.

Most usually die through mud and water with some just plain wearing out.

The old 1hz starters seem to last very well with few failures even under harsh conditions.

I guess what I am saying is, many things can stop the vehicle in remote locations that can't be fixed, whether it be a collapsed battery (even the best ones do that) a clutch that lets go, something as simple as algae where you simply run out of filters or a hole in the fuel tank.

No there is no real thing as a heavy duty starter motor for a HZJ105 and in most cases most passenger and light vehicles....... you can get true heavy duty starter motors for Chevs, Fords and Mopar gear but these are manufactured to cope high compression race engines.

In stock vehicles the need for a heavy duty starter is not warranted as the standard starter does what it is meant to do.

BUT this is where it gets tricky, there are heavy duty starter motors for a range of vehicles but the word heavy duty is used where extra corrosion protection is applied, maybe a bit heavier wiring and better sealed connectors ....... as in mine sites where corrosive substances are used.

Starter motors like them are a waste of money and you will never see the benefit if used in everyday mum and dad applications.

The quality of starter motors can vary greatly from one importer/manufacturer to another, if you were an importer you could spec the quality of components used in the starter motors you were bringing in to Australia. Most of the cheaper non name overseas manufactures offer this service. The cut corners by using lower grade raw materials, cheaper manufacturing processes and in some cases less material.

This is why some importer offer starter motors and alternators at ridiculous prices..... some would say they are getting a bargain and the people selling the dearer ones are ripping people off, this is so far from the truth it's not funny.

We use and recommend OEX starters and alternators for an aftermarket brand and genuine only.

OEX has a 3yr Australia wide warranty on all passenger and non commercial vehicle applications.

My 1HZ starter failed at about 200K but was only the solenoid contacts that were burnt out. I got a heavier duty set for $40 and fitted them. Dead easy job. The starter itself was virtually as new so I don't think they wear out easily. The new contacts had a much larger contact surface than the Toyota ones so maybe that qualifies as "Heavy duty".

What is very important with this is a very good power supply , Good heavy duty battery good heavy duty leads and ends . nothing kills starter motors quicker than poor power supply ..IMO

Go and see NKS Auto Electrician in Wyman Lane.
No association, just a happy customer.
cheers
Dave

Its a fact of life that starter motors fail.
Its is also a fact of life that on most vehicles they are pretty easy to change.

So if you travel remote, it is one of the things that should be in your spares box.

That is unless it is one or two of the late model vehicles....then there are those of us that question the suitability of these vehicles for remote travel.

cheers

Regularly traversing deep water is usually the biggest single cause of shortened starter motor life. The water carries fine grit into the starter motor. It's made worse when you have a clutch compartment that is vented, and also when you have a low-mounted starter motor.
If there's a breather tube on your starter motor (some Jap starter motors have them, and they're usually quite short), then extending that breather tube is a good move if you're regularly splashing through deep water.

The problem with Landcruiser starter motors is well documented and relates to the contacts only. They are not heavy enough and there is aftermarket larger contacts available for them and it is a simple enough job to fit them if needed.

Here is a pic of the required parts and part numbers.



Cheers, Bruce.