Starter failure?

I’ve read several threads here on the subject and my instinct is starter… but. My truck is a 2004 tundra limited 4x4, 4.7 v8 , 328,000 miles and I bought it new. For the last couple of years I’ve experienced the same intermittent issue with starting my vehicle. I turn the key, I can hear a click under the hood and then nothing. After cycling through the key turning process it will start normally, starter always sounds strong. I’ve discussed with my mechanic and he reiterated that these starters rarely go out so we’ve never changed it. It failed to start yesterday and today which it’s never stranded me before. From my description is there anything else I should check or replace before I have the starter replaced? Battery is new and clean. Definitely not a fuel issue. This is a reoccurring issue every 3-6 months

 

This is likely the starter contacts inside the starter. When you turn the key to energize the starter, a plunger is pushed in towards a set of large copper contacts. Each time your start the truck, the contacts get a little bit of wear from arcing of the electricity just before the plunger makes contact. My first set of starter contacts went out around 120k miles. I had identical symptoms to yours. I replaced the starter contacts and intake manifold gaskets (it lives under the intake in the engine valley). Worked like a charm since. My starter has begun to give the occasional click no-start now again at 275k miles. I will be replacing the starter this time with a Denso from Toyota, but I will keep the original and replace the contacts as there is likely nothing wrong with the starter motor itself. I assume you actually have the V8, although you stated "4.7 V6".

 

Yes. It’s a v8. I went brain dead. Thank you for your input. Is there an advantage to replacing the contacts as opposed to the complete starter?

 

Cost. Saves you $100. It’s $15 or so for contacts (could be more in today $$) and around $100 for intake gaskets. The reman starters from Toyota are OE Denso rebuilds. One hopes that includes disassembly, cleaning, new contacts and motor winding check up. New nut and bolt hardware for connections. Those starters are about $165 or so.

 

Thank you very much