Hey all, first thread here.....
I have a 1986 Pickup, standard cab 4X4 5 speed with a 1982 22R engine. I had head issues and had the head machined and still had power issues and started blowing white smoke. Leakdown test showed rings, so the motor was pulled and machined .020 over. I took my time, rebuilding and getting everything back together. While I was waiting for the block to get back, I started on some interior work. New seats, got new carpet and found an SR5 cluster to put in so I will have a tach. Since the cluster had to come out, I also removed the lower dash with the clutch safety switch. As I am still trying to decide if I want to pull the entire dash out to do some painting and to clean 34 years worth of dirt out of it, I haven't put the cluster back in, but I got the motor in, buttoned up and filled with fluids. Went to start it and got what sounded like a soft clicking. I didn't disconnect the starter when I pulled the motor, so I don't think anything happened to it. What I am curious about is if the motor won't turn over because the dash is still disconnected. I'm wondering if anyone has run across this before? I ran out of daylight, but I plan on being under it tomorrow to troubleshoot.

 

Check your battery voltage, both at rest (about 12.6v) and with the key to start. "Soft clicking" sounds like a low battery.

 

X2 on what scope103 says, especially if you are using the same battery that has been sitting around waiting for your engine to get back. It could be discharged. Also depending on age you might want to replace it with new anyway. I am always suspect of any battery that is over 3 years old if it's been sitting.

 

Thanks for the replies. YotaTech has been a vast source of knowledge and ideas.
Battery is charged. It's only 6 months old, and I put it on the charger overnight since it had been sitting in the garage for a few months. Headlights come on and do no dim when I try to turn it over. I was thinking overnight that something might be grounded or just not hooked up. I don't remember disconnecting any wires from the starter, but there's always the chance I did. I'll be out under the truck in a few hours and hopefully can find the issue without too much pain.

 

Pays to go back to basics and recheck everything. Works better when it's connected....

 

She turns over, but not catching. Going to make sure Distributor is in right and go through basic troubleshooting procedures.

 

OORAAH! Thanks for you service!
Simple engine is best.
Also.. that starter relay near the wiper motor was wired wrong at the factory. Could cause weak operation of starter solenoid. $11 in parts and half-hour work will fix it.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116.../#post52422426

 

Thanks Rad.

Thank you for your service, too.

I will read through that tread and take a look at mine.

 

So imagine my surprise when I log onto YotaTech and see my engine on the front page, with an article by Brett Foote. I feel both famous and infamous at the same time.

Thanks Brett for the notoriety and the great words about all the YotaTech members and how we all try to help each other.

To answer Brett's burning question.... yes, she started. Went the the extreme with the timing and yes, the distributor was a tooth off. Pulled it, adjusted it, dropped it back in and she fired right up. Adjusted the timing to 8° BTDC and she's running at about 800 RPM.

Taps like a SOB, but that was because I had to adjust the valves cold. I will warm her up and adjust them again this weekend.

Again, thanks to all who voiced their opinions and ideas. In the end, it was a simple missed connection that was my nemesis.