Starter Replacement Estimate

I just got an estimated labor timeframe of 10 hours to replace my starter, which I'm refuting. I'm seeing a 4-6 hour avg... Am I correct that 10 hours way too much ?

- 2013 Toyota Tundra 4.6 L

 

10 hours is subjective to a shop's predetermined labor timeframe.... but you can always go to another shop and see what they say...

 

I got the same 10 hr estimate for this motor. The starter is a really bad place under the exhaust manifold and they have to remove the oil dipstick. $2K to replace the starter and solenoid w/ labor, but it's better than doing it myself.

 

Youtube guy does it in under 7 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2xJwup319Q

 

Lol, that's a 5.7L not the 4.6L.

 

Yeah, but $2k... I bought a whole Volvo for $2k back in 2018 that was still road worthy Starter is like $80? $200 if brand name.

 

The 4.6 and 5.7 are located under the exhaust manifold, the 4.7 is under the intake manifold.

It shouldn't take more than an hour for a competent mechanic to remove and replace, going by the book is overcharging.

 

A lot has charged in prices the last 5 years. Besides a Volvo isn't towing my boat.

 

If you say so.

 

Update, they were able to complete the job in less time and took off the extra labor from the book. Job only cost me $1.4K instead on $2K.

 

My 5.7 has just arrived at that pretty point where the starter solenoid has a mind of its own, getting more stubborn with each click.

Off to the dealer this Monday. I always do everything myself, but after some leg surgery I don't have the courage to roll around under the truck on the floor. 2009, with 140k on the ODO.

As for the time, do they still work on manufacturer flat rates, or has that changed?

 

It still would be a lot of hours paid by you. Nothing is cheap these days.

 

Do it yourself, I did.

All those do it in a couple hours is a lie.

unbolt the motor mounts at the frame. take out the dipstick (by the end this will be the easiest part you do, LOL) don't forget a new O-ring. Jack the motor up so your top exhaust bolts are above your strut mount so you can reach them.

unbolt the 3 bolts were the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe meet, order 3 new nuts and bolts because they strip when reused. Take out exhaust manifold, remove heat shield and you finally get to see it.

Freak out when you compare the new Toyota starter to the old 1 and see the new 1 is way smaller. Check the #, google the #, call the dealer and it's the right 1.

Now just put it back together.

Good time to check your motor mounts.

Give yourself 2 days for talking to youself for good ideas, and learning new words.

 

I just had mine replaced by a shop a couple of days ago in Arizona.

It took them half a day and they charged $1,300 for an OEM starter.

I've heard it is a real pain to replace these yourself, so I thought that was kind of reasonable.

 

Dealer just called me back, $1,400 plus change. Said if the new starter comes in this afternoon, they will have it done in an hour.

Told the service rep, if they can do it in an hour, I will give him a Superman badge.