coyote

hello Im new to this so bear with me. I have a 94 4runner with 150k+ on it. Im having a problem when it rains. the truck runs like crap it spits and sputters-like its missing -I changed everything and it still is dooing the same thing thanks COYOTE ps HELP

yigo65

The only thing that comes to mind is when you go though deep puddles and the distributor gets wet, it'll do that.

coyote

It only happens when its parked and I go to start it up

CMD93

Its gotta be something related to the ignition. Distributor cap, coil, plug wires. Something has to have a small crack in it letting in moisture. I would check those out.

98 Joes

It sounds like condensation in the distributor cap. It can form in the cap when it's high humidity and a warm engine. Water drops form inside the cap and mess up the ignition.

Pull it off and spray a light coat of WD-40 in it. That should displace any moisture. They also have stuff for this, but WD-40 is cheap and it works.

A matter fact, they make a spray that you can coat all you sensative ignition parts with to keep water out. Check with your local boating supply store. I've used it on boat and cars and works great. No greasy buildup or sticky stuff left on you ignition either.

Mad Chemist

If its fuel injected, I'm thinking it has a distributor-less ignition. Regardless, it does sound like a moisture related problem. Check the plugs and wires for sure.

Nic

My 84 Camry was bad about sputtering when it rained. Sometimes it would even do it on a very humid day. I knew it was moisture related, but I could not determine how.

I have since changed out the wires. I am pretty sure I have the same distributor cap. It is now fixed. It must have been a wire somehow that was being affected by the moisture. The wires I replaced where not that old. One must have been defective.

I would bet it is your wires or perhaps a small crack in the distributor. You may even want to run your engine at night with the hood up and see if you can see any arcing of electricity. If your brave, you can feel aroound the wires and around the distributor with your hand to see if you get a shock.

And by the way, as Doug pointed out, WD-40 does work. I believe WD stands for Water Displacement. That's what I was told anyway.

My99

Since 1985 I think it was, the 4runner's have been EFI. However, they didn't go distributorless until the 3rd gen.

I however agree that you should check your seal on the distributor and give it a shot of WD 40.