22re won't start when cold

[loki_racer]

I have a 94 Toyota pickup with a 22re. When the temps are around freezing, it refuses to start (without some coaxing. I turn the key over and I can here the starter click, but the motor doesn't turn over. If I get a hammer and tap the starter while my wife turns the key, the truck fires right up.

When temps go back to around 40 or higher, the truck starts right up.

Should I consider replacing the starter, or just continue to "hammer" start it when the temps are down? Maybe it's not even a bad starter?

 

[mbalbritton]

Pull starter, open it up and clean it for starters.

My old CJ would do this and that's all it took.

 

[loki_racer]

I can pick up a new starter for $60 with a 5 year warranty. Still worth it to do the work to pull it and just clean it, or should I replace it?

 

[Fabrik8]

Assuming you have no problems with current delivery, it sounds like the starter either needs to be replaced or cleaned. This could be a mechanical wear problem, or could be something like old grease that is too thick when it's cold.
Try the easy fixes first, then replace it if needed.

Honestly, unless the replacement is of OEM-quality or is a good quality refurb/rebuild, I'd rather have the repaired original unit.

 

[loki_racer]

Thanks for the input guys. Once the rehab of my house wraps up, I'll pull the starter and look at cleaning it up.