Engine issues!!!!

So yesterday we put a newer 3rz, 2.7 liter into my 1995 Tacoma 4x4. The electrical system is doing some really strange stuff. Lights won't turn on, then they will, not all the dash lights come on, then they will, radio works then it doesn't, starter tries to go then it won't. Battery is good, starter is good, everthing looks like it's connected and grounded as it should be. The truck had overheated and blew the old engine. We also couldn't advance the fly wheel so we're now going to drop the transmission to see if there is something not aligning correctly? Engine won't turn over at all.

Anyone else run into proplems like this or have any ideas as to what is going on?

 

Did you swap the computer and wiring harnesses from the donor truck into your truck as well, or are you trying to plug the ones from your truck into the donor motor? Because they may not be compatible.
That's the only thing I can think of.

 

I have to say that it really does sound like a grounding issue. I would check the battery to cab ground at the battery, then the ground strap from the engine block to the cab, and go from there.

 

^^^
You should listen to this guy. He knows stuff about things.

Only engine I ever swapped was on a late 70's Dodge; the only wiring that you had to hook up went to the starter and the alternator.

 

agree, does sound like an electric ground problem. also as stated about the ecu, I would also check to make sure the new engine is compatible with your ecu, not all Tacoma parts are interchangeable.

 

My friends who are helping with this think it's a ground issue, too. How many grounds are there? One to the back of the chaise, the starter, the battery, any others? There is another small back ground running from the side of the chaise to near the negative battery cable. Right now it's loose and I thought it was old but it might have been attached by electrical tape to the negative battery cable. Other than maybe that I don't think we missed any but I will go back and clean and reconnect. I did pull the wiring harness, etc. from the old motor and put it on the new one.

Having to work on this after school and work sucks!

Thanks for the help!