Topic: 87' 4Runner 22RE wont start after being in storage

[mendo]

Hello, I put my 87' 4Runner in storage for the past 7 months and went to try to start it and when you turned the key there was just a click from under the glove box or the starter. All of the dash lights come on and the battery is showing 12 volts on the multimeter. Have also hooked it up to jumper cables just to be sure its not the battery. We tried to bump start it and it started right up and ran great, drove it around for a while, parked it and tried to start with the key and it just clicks still. Have also tried hitting the starter with a hammer while turning the key.

Any other idea's? Thanks!

[junya92toy]

Single click? Prob corrosion at the start contacts.
Possible the battery as well.

[2manytoys]

My 88 makes the click sound if I don't push the clutch in far enough. (Switch adjustment?) I usually just make sure it's in neutral and use the bypass switch to start.

Your battery may be low from all that sitting. 12 volts on the meter can be deceiving. See if it stays at 12 volts while cranking. Without the jumper cables of coarse.

[emsvitil]

Trickle charge the battery overnight and see what happens.

Also borrow a known good battery.

[Cheesemaker]

Any corrosion on the cable ends? 
I always use heavy gauge wire, and sealed ends on my battery cables.  I've been told that the factory wiring on the starter solenoid is weak.  And that you should upgrade to a heavy duty relay setup.  I plan on doing it to mine in the near future.  I get the famous click from time to time.  And I installed new starter plunger contacts, and it still does it.  I have a rather large Marlin Spike that is heavy enough to whack the starter.