84 celica blowing efi fuse on startup

[jasonbaldwin32]

i have an 1984 celica gts with a 22re and a 22r block. the car starts but then dies a few seconds later. on closer inspection the ground wire is "hot" and the efi fuse blows.

[StellarAuto]

TIS doesn't have a wiring diagram going back to '84! So, how long has this been going on? Exactly how long will it run after it starts before it dies? Which 'ground wire' is going to power? Any aftermarket accessories added to vehicle or other recent work performed? Any corrosion around battery area?

[jasonbaldwin32]

its done this since the motor was put in. it runs for a few seconds. its the ground to the plenum. it is all stock and there is no corrosion near battery

[StellarAuto]

Ah. So how long ago was the new motor put in? Have you tried unhooking that 'ground' from the plenum and see how long it will stay running?

[jasonbaldwin32]

the engine was put in about 2years ago but its been a project

[StellarAuto]

Did you try my suggestion of unhooking the ground and see if it starts and runs (w/o blowing the fuse)? And I assume it hasn't been driven in that 2 year period (project)?

[jasonbaldwin32]

yes ive done that and it dosnt blow

[StellarAuto]

Then are you sure that's where that wire goes? Usually a power wire finds a direct short to ground, not a ground wire going to power. Does it run and drive normally with the wire off?

[jasonbaldwin32]

it runs without the ground wire for a second but it doesnt run long enough to drive

[StellarAuto]

With that wire unplugged attach a test light to it and see if it switches to power when you turn the key, all positions. You said it doesn't run long enough to drive. Do you know why it is dying then? Shouldn't be because that wire is off if it starts ok. Approximately how long will it stay running?