4age/4agze starter ID

Finally decided that having to push start the 86 when it gets hot isnt fun. Pulled the starter but cant figure out if its the 4agze starter or the stock 86 one. Is there an easy way to ID it?

I found this page with some info.

I also just pulled the drivetrain out of an AW11 parts car the other day, if you want me to go take some pictures.

In reply to Tyler H:

If you could snag a picture that would be awesome.

Is the starter on the intake or exhaust side? I think they are different starters.

If it gives you a "click" but nothing else, and things like the headlights or dash lights, dome light, etc., don't dim when that happens, it's most likely the solenoid, on a Toyota and in my experience. Besides the obvious of replacing the whole thing, you can also pull the solenoid apart and clean it with some emery cloth. If that doesn't work, as I'm mentioned before, an extra relay or external solenoid will fix that also.

Honestly, I'd just look for a local 'starter and alternator' shop, and have them take a look at repairing or refurbishing it. Likely just a wonky solenoid.

Even if it needs a full rebuild, a good local shop will generally do a better job than you'll get from a parts store rebuilt unit.

-Hans

In reply to Dr. Hess:

My plan is to do the relay when this one gets replaced/rebuilt.

If its aftermarket, they exhibit the pesky heat-soak issue. I had an OEM unit rebuilt and put back in with no problems.

Dr. Hess wrote: Is the starter on the intake or exhaust side? I think they are different starters. If it gives you a "click" but nothing else, and things like the headlights or dash lights, dome light, etc., don't dim when that happens, it's most likely the solenoid, on a Toyota and in my experience. Besides the obvious of replacing the whole thing, you can also pull the solenoid apart and clean it with some emery cloth. If that doesn't work, as I'm mentioned before, an extra relay or external solenoid will fix that also.

4agze starter is on the intake side. The later transmissions, C52, have the dog ears for mounting either way.

If this is an AE86, then it's not a C52 but a T50, which can have the mounting boss on either side. A true AE86 that came with a 4AG should have it on the intake side, I believe. The 4AF versions should have it on the exhaust side. Note that the transmission itself is the same, but the bell housings are different.

I don't have my EPC here, but I think that the starters are different for the exhaust v. intake side. I'm pretty sure they are for the C50 versions. I think the starter I have on my T50, exhaust side, was the one that came on the early C50 on my AW11, which was also exhaust side.

In reply to Dr. Hess:

Its in a GTS car that came with the 4age. Mounted under the header.

Has the transmission been replaced? If you're just going to replace the starter, get one for the non-GTS and make sure it looks the same. I know those were on the exhaust side. The T50 in my Locost came from a 'rolla sedan and it's on the exhaust side. As I said, I'm pretty sure the true 86 had it on the intake side. I probably have one of each in my shop.

Fitzauto wrote: In reply to Tyler H: If you could snag a picture that would be awesome.

I'll get some pictures tomorrow -- no light in the storage shop. I believe that you can piece one together, even if the flanges are different. I'd rather have a 30 year old OE starter than a FLAPS rebuild.

Having owned three AE86s, I can assure you the GT-S starter is on the exhaust side.

FWIW, 4A-GE starter interchange seems to be pretty good in my experience...I've used starters from FWD 4AGEs and 4A-C starters on RWD 4A-GEs.

My preference is OE reduction gear starters from the high-compression 4A-GE out of late AE92 GT-S and Geo Prizm GSi.

I should also add that starter heat soak is not unheard of, and is more likely with any of the following:

-Aftermarket starters without a heat shield.

-Aftermarket headers without a heat shield.

-Race car/drift car aspirations of weight savings by removing the heat shields.

I use a factory starter heat shield plus a Thermo-Tec starter blanket with an aftermarket header, and it seems to work pretty well.

In reply to ae86andkp61:

I have no heatshield and an aftermarket header. Planning on a blanket in the near future.

Is my best option to buy an AE92 starter? Does it need any mods to fit?

Fitzauto wrote: In reply to ae86andkp61: I have no heatshield and an aftermarket header. Planning on a blanket in the near future. Is my best option to buy an AE92 starter? Does it need any mods to fit?

I can only comment of FWD applications. But on those, it is a direct fit.

Wrap that header and put a cheap fiberglass/mylar starter heat shield from Summit over the starter, otherwise you'll always be fighting heat soak to some extent.