Okay, after reading through the forums it seems that 1989 toy's seem to have a starting problem. Each one seems to have it's own wrinkle. Here's mine, I have a 4 cyl (22RE) , 5 speed, X-cab 4x4 with about 200,000 miles. New optima battery, alternator rebuilt, cables cleaned and grounds checked. I live in San Diego, therefore cold weather is not an issue. My starting "Click" usually occurs after the truck has been sitting overnight or all day at work, (Engine Cold). I get in turn the key and it clicks. This is very intermittent, sometimes I can go a month or more without a problem and then the next time just a day or two. Keep turning the key, sometimes you can get the engine to turn over but usually best to just go away and come back in half an hour and the engine will turn over. Here is my issue, when the engine does turn over, it doesn't just fire up. I have to depress the accelerator and hold while cranking and after about 10 to 15 seconds it will start but will run real bad like the computer forgot how to run the engine correctly. Rev the engine a few times and all is normal again. Haven't been stranded yet, but would like to figure this one out. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure if this would cause your problem or not, but have you checked all your connections from the battery to the starter (not just the negatives) and from the starter to the key switch.

It sounds like you have a problem with the positive connection and the reason you're running bad when it does start after that is improper voltage to the voltage regulator and from there to the distributer which is causing a low voltage/current to spark plugs. After revving it a few times, the connection is improving and/or being forced to allow the current.

I'm not even sure if this is possible, but it sounds like it may cause your problem.

Trons

It sounds like you have two unrelated problems. The first is the starter solenoid clicking. It is most likely bad solenoid contacts. They can be replaced for cheap money. Toyota and others in the following links sell the contacts you need.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=166530

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/

The problem with starting when the engine cranks may be alot of things. Fix the contacts first and see if you get lucky and it starts better. Don't touch the gas when you crank the engine. This will cause you problems also.

possible two problems
1.) motor is flooding. You maybe running too rich
2.) Sometimes worn bushings in starters will cause the starter to bind up and not turn over. Tapping on them with a hammer or keep giving them jolts of power might free them up. If the bushings are worn you will need to replace the starter.

Plan to replace the contacts this week, hope it works. However in regards to the flooding issue. When the engine does finally turn over it will not start unless I hold the accelerator pedal down. If I don't hold the accelerator down the engine will just crank but not fire. Tried it both ways on numerous occasions and even after after 20 seconds of turning over, still nothing. Then hold the pedal down, it starts, runs like crap for a few seconds and then just fine???

You shouldn't have to put your foot on the accelerator when starting. Sounds like your cold-start enrichment system is either working too well and giving you too rich of a mixture when cold, or not working at all when you are starting.

Just had this problem agian on my 91 4X2. On this truck and my old one (85 4X2) 90% of the time (and this most recent episode)it is due to bad contact...usually die to corrosion @ the battery terminals.

Here's a tip, I would go and check you entire starting and charging system. Check the battery for static voltage, check for surface discharge, do a voltage drop test through each system. Also, I am not sure if you have access to one, but use a VAT (Volt/Amp Tester) to test starter current draw. Start with the basics and always compare your reading to OEM specs.