I have the 3vze 1994 4Runner. On rainy days, the engine stumbles to start. After a few tries at the ignition it starts up.

What part(s) could be sensitive to moisture?

Anyone have experience with this problem?

The mechanic wants to change parts until the problem is fixed.

Thanks for any assistance ...

 

Check your distributor cap for cracks or moisture on the inside. Be careful when working with the screws that hold the cap down, as the base they screw into is aluminum and strips out easily.

If you do take it off, spray a couple of shots of WD-40 inside the cap, and see if that helps. You might wanna just replace the cap altogether. They're not that expensive.

Oh yeah, if you take it off, make sure you either leave the spark plug wires on it, or you know where they go before removing them. Putting them back on where they don't belong is a big no-no.

 

My runner would do that only in the mornings and after a major tune up with no effect, the dealer found a hairline crack in the dist. cap....problem fixed. It was hard to imagine moisture could enter that but it does get real humid down here.

 

had the same issue with my 91 camry. Except it would happen every time it was raining/muggy and would happen while driving. had a couple of mechanics take a look at it and they couldnt find anything. I went in with a quirt bottle and squirted parts of the engine till the symptoms occurred. found out it was the rubber seal that goes between the cap and the distributor had cracked and would allow moisture in.

 

I think the moral of the story is to replace your distributor cap. I think it's like a $20 part & an easy job.

 

Thanks to all who replied. I will check/replace the distributor cap. Now let's see what the dealer wants for a new one.

Till next time ...

 

NO NO NO.. don't goto a stealership for a distributor cap.. Just get one from Pep Boys or Autozone or whatever you have there.