Starter motor- Just how worried should I be?

[Topdownman]

So, car hasnt started for a few days, just a clicking from the engine bay and no turnover.

I charged the battery yesterday and cleaned the terminals, still no start this morning.

I put it in 4th gear and rocked it back and forth a couple of times and it started. I drove to the garage and it started fine there to come home.

So, the big question, am I on borrowed time with my starter or is this something that may not occur again any time soon and nothing to worry about?

[1979scotte]

Never had that in any car I've owned.
Would probably look to replace.
It will be the original camry item so go knows how old it is.
Where is it located on the V6?
Easy or difficult to get at do we think?

[normanh]

Before you start to replace the starter get your battery checked on load. Battery failure especially this time of year is more likely, it may have appeared to have charged but if it has a duff cell or two it wont start the car. If the batteries more than 4 years old its very likely that. A lot of motor factors will test for free!

Norman

[Topdownman]

The starter on the V6 is on the left under the air intake pipe.

I do know it is not a camry one though as I bought one of those and it was wrong! Because it has a MR2 mk2 clutch then I guess it will be that model?

I did change the battery maybe 3 years ago and it did get flat once this winter but the fact that it only started after rocking in gear makes me suspect the starter.

[Call the midlife!]

The starter on the V6 is on the left under the air intake pipe.

I do know it is not a camry one though as I bought one of those and it was wrong! Because it has a MR2 mk2 clutch then I guess it will be that model?

I did change the battery maybe 3 years ago and it did get flat once this winter but the fact that it only started after rocking in gear makes me suspect the starter.

Sticky solenoid? Had a similar problem on my Capri I think, clicked but didn't engage unless you tapped it with a hammer.


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[Topdownman]

I had tried hitting it with a mallet as well but that didnt seem to do anything.

[Call the midlife!]

I had tried hitting it with a mallet as well but that didnt seem to do anything.

Yeah, something's boogered.


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[SteveJ]

Rocking the car in gear would have moved the engine to a different point on the stroke so the starter may have gained a bit more momentum before hitting TDC (max load point) - I'd be looking at -

1) Battery (as mentioned by several people)
2) Earth straps (particularly the one to the gearbox)
3) Starter motor power connections
4) Finally is the starter actually up to the job - if it's not a Camry one then it may not generate enough torque to start the V6 especially in colder weather when the oil is thicker.

[Topdownman]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Some things to check there!