Problem with the starter in a 1988 toyota camry LE?

A

Andrew

New member
My 1988 Toyota Camry LE Wagon occasionally has trouble starting. When I turn the key, the motor engages, but instead of turning the engine in makes a high pitched "whirrrrrrrrr" sound that's really loud and obnoxious. I think it may be that the flywheel or starter motor gear is undersized or stripped, and so it sometimes doesn't engage the engine.
Given that it's an old car, and that the starter motor is fairly old anyway, might it fix the problem to replace the starter motor? Or could it possibly be the engine that is at fault?
 
Since this is a Toyota, I would be willing to bet that your problem is just the starter, or that a bolt has fallen out. I wouldn't worry about your flywheel just now. It is also possible that the Bendix gear, which is a part of the starter, cannot fully extend into the ring gear. Go to repair place and have them examine the car on a hoist. It should be EASY to spot trouble. good luck!!
 
if you have worn teeth on the ring gear you'll have to separate the engine from the tranny to replace the ring gear, can be quite a big job since you'll probly have to pull either the engine or tranny whichever is easiest to pull.
 
Back
Top