Hey guys, long story short I just put a new 22RE in my 5speed 4x4 '89 pickup. Filled all the fluids, went to go start her up, and it cranks (sounds like it's struggling), but won't start. Shows engine code 51.

I know I'm getting fuel, I can smell it when the pump primes, and I know it's got power, I got a brand new battery because it sounded like it didn't have enough power to start. Even with the new battery, it won't crank long enough to start. Any ideas? I did some research and I'm finding a million different answers for code 51. I figured if I give the circumstances and what I've already done, you guys would be able to narrow it down for me. Thanks

 

Is it firing at all? Step one is to put your timing light on each plug wire; if the light flashes, the plug is firing. Step two is to verify that they are firing at the top of the compression stroke, rather than the top of the exhaust stroke (meaning, the distributor is out 180°). I'm not real familiar with the 22re; I think the easiest way to do that is remove the valve cover.

I doubt code 51 is an issue. You don't have a PNP, so it may be the IDL switch in the TPS. That shouldn't keep it from starting (you may have trouble with ignition timing, so you'll need to check the TPS setting).

 

What do you mean by new?? This is the critical question.

Fresh rebuild ?? Did you build the engine ??

Used engine of unknown quality??

How does this turn over by hand with the plugs out??

Did you rebuild the starter solenoid while it was out ??

Positive and negative battery terminals in good shape??Clean and tight??

The positive and ground cables clean and tight?/

Forget to hook the ground to the engine block??

If it is not a mechanical engine problem I would venture something in the starting circuit

 

It's a remanufactured block with a brand new head, new starter, new battery, new alternator, it turns over by hand no problem with the plugs out. I will check the ground going to the block. Is that the one that goes to the firewall?

 

No the block is the cast steel part where the crank and pistons are in .

The starter grounds via the bolts if the ground is poor you get what your having. Slow cranking .

Keep the battery charged !!

 

That makes sense. Where exactly is the starter supposed to be grounded? I'm sorry but I'm not nearby the truck at the moment, I'm trying to picture it in my head

 

The starter grounds by the bolts that hold it to the bell housing for the most !!

Also where the starter nose touches the bell housing .

But the bolts carry the major part of the load.

In the past I have run a ground cable direct to a starter bolt from the battery.

With a fresh painted block it is a good idea to clean the threads and area the lug attaches to.

Any of the M10 bolts in the block you can reach easy will work.