Hillclimber

Thanks for taking the trouble to check this out, Gamith. It was a need for this weekend, and as replied to earlier posts every site I checked, including some in your list, are full on Saturday night. So we have decided not to travel and will be booking further in advance when we do need to visit.

The only one I am aware of is a family christening. I know the parents have a very large social circle, but didn't think it would be this big!

Another one that is full this weekend. Realising now that we won't be camping this weekend. Duh!

Hi Bignev, yes I tried it as well as park4night, campinguk and all the camp related club sites. Just surprised as how busy that area is this weekend.

Just taken the van for a run and noticed the MIL was on. Disconnected the MAF and a black connector at the rear of the cylinder head while removing the starter. Both replaced OK. Is it likely the MIL will go out on its own, or does it need further checks.

Now that the Alphard is running, a family visit is in the offing, so looking for recommendations for a suitable campsite/stopover near Ripon for this coming Saturday night. Reasonable fcailities would be great in case things don't work as expected!

New starter fitted and engine starting without issues. This is how the old one came out. The cone with the front pinion was the real problem area.

Thats how mine is coming out. Current left with the front cone and pinion still stuck in the mounting hole. Cant see a way to collapse the cone without the possibility of it all dropping in to the bellhousing. Have instilled the help of a neighbour who is a commercial vehicle mechanic. So far his chisels have done far more than mine did!

Having watched a couple of YouTube videos of removing the starter from other Toyota models, it proved to be a remarkably straightforward job. Basically the steps are remove the battery, remove the aircleaner assembly and then remove the two bolts securing the starter to the cylinder block. Took me all of 40 minutes. Then hit the most mind boggling snag I have ever encountered, and I mean EVER! The starter motor flange is corroded to the cylinder block and no amount of blows to the flange edge seems to want to break the bond. Has anyone encountered anything like this before and has anyone got any realstic suggestions about breaking aluminium corrosion, especially where access to the joint is very limited to large tools or objects. I have the new starter and the old one is not needed as a return. We have a trip planned for the first weekend in July, and wondering if we will make it!

My brain sometimes goes into full negative mode when looking at something new. Probably something to do with my advancing years! Thanks for your positive thoughts. As for replacement starter, am I good to just go by engine size and vehicle age, or are there differences I need to know. Its a 3.0l V6 from 2002.

Thanks for that feedback. Very useful. I was taking the view that it was beyond my above average mechanicing skills, and the lack of an English workshop manual as a guide. Having checked a video, I'm sure I can do it.

I have a 2002 MH10 V6 auto with a stuck/seized starter solenoid. New Acre (my local specialist) tell me they wouldn't be able to do anything for a couple of months. Can anyone recommend another specialist who could change the starter motor for me, ideally in the Midlands area.

One of the rear room light bulbs on my AH10 has failed. How do I get access to it? Tried (gingerly) removing the lens and the whole body but neither seemed to be the way in.

Does anyone recognise this head unit? Need to decide if it is worth keeping or look to upgrade.

Just to add another view is to use a mix of toothpaste and bicarb as a cleaner. I used it on another of my cars where the lenses were badly discoloured and the results were very satisfactory.