D21 VG30 Starter Removal

[BigAlAtlanta]

My trusty 89 D21 with a VG30 and MT has finally decided to cause me a problem. It will start perfectly when it is cold, but after driving only few minutes it will not start.

I'm fairly sure it is the starter solenoid or "magnetic swith". I'm always open to other options though.

Based on the FSM, it appears the procedure is to remove the exhaust manifold and pull the starter assembly up to the top. It looks to me that removing it from the bottom would be easier. Due to rain, I have not climbed underneath yet. Which is the better approach?

Any advice would be great.

This is the first time my 19 year old truck has failed to start for me. It caught me totally off guard, but luckly I was facing downhill and could easily roll start it.

Usually I'm on NICO looking for help with my Q45. My truck has never had a real problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

[nismopu]

hmm, does it click at all? Did you put a voltmeter on the battery when you try to crank it? Have you checked the starter relay? If its a 2wd it should come out real easy out the bottom. I have only done it once though and cant remember much. sorry.

[SEV6]

Going from the bottom is the only way to go. Just make sure you have some good extended deep well sockets. My starter locked up on me this last december.