What would make a 1986 s10 4cylinder throttle body spray gas for short time then stop have to pour gas into intake to get it to start again

Throttle body or carburetor ?

fuel sending unit?

there is a large tube that goes to your throttle body (you do not have a carb), remove it and spray there-be careful, starter fluid is highly explosive, spray 2 or 3 short bursts into the top of the throttle body opening, and install the tube (you don't have to tighten the clamp). You may have to repeat this a few times, if you can only get the car to run for a few seconds 3 or 4 times, and it will not run on it's own, you have a fuel delivery problem, and no amount of starter fluid is going to fix it.

I would suggest starting with the less expensive solutions first. If you pull the air intake hose off the throttle body and open the throttle with the engine off look down inside if it is black try spraying it out with throttle body cleaner make sure to spray it out good. Afterwards start it you may have to keep your foot on the gas for a few minutes to make sure it doesn't stall then take your foot off the gas pedal and see if it stays running if it does your throttle body just needed cleaned. Note do not use carb cleaner use throttle body cleaner only, carb cleaner can damage the sensor in your throttle body.

First determine if the gas delivery is the problem by using starting fluid or a few tablespoons of gas poured into the intake manifold through the throttle body.

Try to start the car and if it does for a few seconds, then the fuel pump may be bad.
If the car does not start at all with the fuel in the throttle body, then the ignition system may be awry (no spark.)

I wish you luck on this repair.

The fuel filter is under the car, in-line. If the pump runs, it wouldn't be the relay. When you try to start it, can you see any gas spray from the injector? You could have a bad injector. Check for power going to the injector.

either the flap is sticking, or the vacuum controlled acutator that moves it is fualty or leaking air.

The throttle body is where the carburetor used to be, in the middle top of the intake manifold where the air intake tube ends.
Use a major brand "Fuel throttle body cleaner" in your gas tank every 6 months or so. Don't use store brand. Ther eis also a spray for the linkage, etc. Use that too... and spray into the throttle body with engine running. Don't let the engine die while spraying into the throttle body.

first i would cover the basics. change the fuel filter, next change the spark plugs, careful this car takes special spark plugs. probably have to get from toyota. next clean the throttle body, pull air nozzle off and open the butterfly so you can spray throttle body cleaner in their and clean with toothbrush. also dont be alarmed after cleaning the throttle body and changing the fuel filter it will be hard starting, hold the gas pedal half way.

Did you change the fuel filter?