22re won't start (long read)

So I am trying to get a 1985 1-ton pickup (22re engine) to run after three years of sitting. I tried to jump it off first to no avail. I figured that the battery was just fully toasted and put a working battery in it just to see if it would run. When I hooked it up, and turned the key forward I could turn on headlights, break lights, radio etc., but when I turned the key to start it, I would get one click and everything would just die. Then the only way I could get power again for the radio and lights was to take off the battery cable and put it back on. Then it would do the exact same thing... every single time. I just get one click and then everything is lifeless. Disconnect and reconnect the battery just to get a little radio and one click then dead... not even a 12:00 on the clock. Any ideas guys? It's almost like I keep blowing a fuse but I know I am not. I have got to make it run by the end of the week so all help would be appreciated!

Ryan

sounds like you need to clean your battery cable ends or check/ clean your ground straps from oxidation. Either scrape the lead clean in the battery clamps or mix up a baking soda/ water mixture and pour it on there.

Well, I found one of the problems... some mice chewed through the wiring harness where it comes through the firewall. This is the second time this has happened and it has been patch repaired once already! This time I think that it is a little far gone. Does anybody have a wiring harness for one of these for sale? I don't know what I can pay for it, but I would like to see what they run used and uncut!

Ryan

how badly is it chewed up? just take some wire peices and replace whats been damaged. do one wire at a time and splice all the stuff back together......

I found a cheap deal on a wiring harness from a 93 pickup. Does anybody know if this would be plug and play with my 85? Both 22re, both fuel injected.

Harness should work!