Ganbaru Posted May 3, 2022 Report Share Posted May 3, 2022 Hi guys! Just picked up my first KE30. It's got a 4K and 5 Speed. Car was fine for the first few weeks since purchase, but recently started it and it wasn't sounding right. It was running rough. I drove it up the block and every time I shifted gears, I felt like I was grinding through gears. Quickly got it back home, and it stopped in the driveway. Haven't been able to start it since. The radio wasn't working when I first started it up, so that was probably the first sign. I changed the battery but now it's not clicking over. I suspect that it's the starter, but I don't know whether that explains why it was running rough to begin with. I've read that if the starter is engaged and stays on, the car may run rough. Could this be the issue? Previously had a KE20 and I know it's an absolute pain to change the starter. If anyone knows a good mechanic in northern suburbs Melb that can assist who's trustworthy much appreciated. Any help and knowledge is appreciated. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjo Posted May 3, 2022 Report Share Posted May 3, 2022 (edited) Welcome aboard ! That's a bit of a "bummer", first up. Sounds very much like there is something that is dragging the battery voltage down. If that is happening whilst you were driving it; that could well be the reason, why the engine misfired & "running rough" It could well be the starter motor, as a similar thing happened to me recently, which I detailed on Rollaclub. https://www.rollaclub.com/board/topic/82207-4k-corolla-starter-motor-problem/ I would disconnect the battery, & charge it up. Then reinstall the battery but disconnect the large cable to the starter. Then check that any other loads, like radio, or accessories,; lights, or ignition, are not dragging the battery voltage down. If all good, then touch the starter lead to the battery positive terminal, & see if the battery voltage takes a dive downways. If so; then it is definitely time for the starter to come out. It is not that difficult, but with patience; can be removed, without having the drop the exhaust pipe work. Let's know what you discover. Cheers Banjo Edited May 3, 2022 by Banjo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ganbaru Posted May 3, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2022 1 hour ago, Banjo said: Welcome aboard ! That's a bit of a "bummer", first up. Sounds very much like there is something that is dragging the battery voltage down. If that is happening whilst you were driving it; that could well be the reason, why the engine misfired & "running rough" It could well be the starter motor, as a similar thing happened to me recently, which I detailed on Rollaclub. https://www.rollaclub.com/board/topic/82207-4k-corolla-starter-motor-problem/ I would disconnect the battery, & charge it up. Then reinstall the battery but disconnect the large cable to the starter. Then check that any other loads, like radio, or accessories,; lights, or ignition, are not dragging the battery voltage down. If all good, then touch the starter lead to the battery positive terminal, & see if the battery voltage takes a dive downways. If so; then it is definitely time for the starter to come out. It is not that difficult, but with patience; can be removed, without having the drop the exhaust pipe work. Let's know what you discover. Cheers Banjo Thanks so much Banjo. Apologies for the stupid question, but I assume I'll need a voltmeter for this? What would be the best way to take off the starter from your experience? Should I tackle it from the bottom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjo Posted May 3, 2022 Report Share Posted May 3, 2022 From my comments in the link, in my previous post to you, regarding removal of the starter motor. Quote Most people removed the exhaust piping under the exhaust manifold, to get access, to remove the starter. This can be a pain, because the threads on pipe flange to manifold, usually need a few hours of WD40, before they will move without issues. I decided to see if I could get it out, from under the car, without removing the exhaust piping. It is possible, but is a tight squeeze. The obstacle is the long cross tie rod on the steering. I found if I removed the two (2) mounting bracket bolts on the passengers side, securing the steering pivot assembly; & pull it downwards, it creates that little more room, to allow the starter to come out or in. A multimeter would help, but even a test lamp, will display a sagging battery voltage, by a dimmer light. Cheers Banjo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big G Posted May 4, 2022 Report Share Posted May 4, 2022 It is very easy to remove the starter motor. I removed the one in my sons KE70 recently for a gearbox swap. It took about 10 minutes. Remember to disconnect the battery first so you don't accidentally short anythng out. There are only 2 bolts holding it in position access 1 from under the car and the other from above in the engine bay. You will need a socket and ring spanner and a bit of elbow grease as they are usually very tight. Give it a crack. G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjo Posted May 5, 2022 Report Share Posted May 5, 2022 Hi Graeme, The KE70 is a wee bit easier to remove the starter, as it has a rack & pinion steering; mounted down there behind the front cross member. The earlier KEs have the cross tie rod, & pivot points thereof, which get in the way just a bit. I had to unmount the cross tie rod pivot point on the exhaust side of the car, & pull it down, to be able to remove my KE30 starter. Cheers Banjo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big G Posted May 9, 2022 Report Share Posted May 9, 2022 Hey Banjo Its funny you should mention that. As I working on getting the starter motor out of the KE70 I was thinking to myself I don't remember it being this easy when I was working on my wife's KE55. But that was probably 30 years ago. So that is my excuse. Regards G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zilabumr Posted May 25, 2022 Report Share Posted May 25, 2022 (edited) interesting information Edited May 25, 2022 by zilabumr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjo Posted May 25, 2022 Report Share Posted May 25, 2022 Hi Max, Welcome aboard ! Have you got a Rolla ? Have you ever had a problem with a sterter ? Cheers Banjo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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