New starter on 5.7L - reasonable quote for the work?

200K miles, runs great otherwise. Starter just spins, has been spotty last year or so, and place I towed it to said needs starter and quoted 9 hours of work for $2100 (Chicago suburbs). Also said that is only if they don't break manifold bolts (+1 hr. per break).

Is this within reason? I heard this was more like a 5-6 hr. job, but I'd have to get the thing towed elsewhere.

 

I know that it is labor intensive job but if lived in the Chicago area I would call and get a quote from TCCN automotive

 

It can be done without taking the manifold off. I did mine to play it safe not wanting it to fail and leave me stranded. It definitely isn't a fun job as it is so cramped . And if I remember right there are 3 heat shields that you take off to get to it .

 

Most dealers will quote about $1500 for the job + or - about $150....

They are charging about $500 for the part and about $1000 labor (about 6.5 hours). With that being said, you can purchase an OE starter for about $240-$280 if you shop around w/various online Toyota parts dealers and happen to catch a decent deal (but that will probably mean you're waiting for parts to ship). Then find a dealer or trusted mechanic to do the job at around $1000 labor (depends on labor rates in your area), so all in about $1300 with some leg work and possible down time.

 

Just a follow-up...got it done myself. The difficulty was amplified by having the truck stuck outside my garage and it starting to rain for 3 days straight.

My *strong advice* after seeing all the various methods mentioned - just un-bolt the passenger side engine mount and jack up the engine. Went like butter and no need to do anything other than that. Only other complication was I broke the starter connector but some silicone seems to be holding it in.

May need to do the shocks/struts next...thing bounces down the highway, and pretty sure the wheel bearings are bad (and would explain the constant soft pedal). Still a great truck IMO having bought it used with 200K miles for 15K.

 

That’s a lot of money you just saved yourself! Nice!

 

Wow impressive work @chris_01928

 

Good you saved some $$$.
If you ever get a no start situation where you turn key and it goes through the cycle but doesn't start. It's the trigger wire that you silicone in. You can usually reach up to get at it after removing the heat shield.
Just a FYI.