It starts with just a couple of pumps all summer, and it was starting well even in freezing weather during our freakishly dry autumn, but when the rain returned last week, it began giving me a lot of trouble.I had already replaced plug and coil wires a couple years ago, so I know they aren't the issue. Toyota forum threads on similar issues most often blame a bad coil or distributor cap. That makes perfect sense to me except that I can get mine to start with a shot of starting fluid. If It's lack of spark or weak spark due to moisture in the distributor, how would starting fluid help?Because I'm poor as a church mouse; I don't get around repairs as easily as I once did, and it's cold as a well-digger's @$! out there, I'd really like some insight into this before I start pulling things apart.Thanks in advance.

I’d still think spark problem, ether is easier to ignite than gasoline. Try a heat source like a trouble light with an incandescent bulb and leave it near the coil or distributor during wet spells. That will drive off any condensation. A heat gun if you have one or a small space heater could be used also.When you locate the part that when warm and dry cures the no start then you’ll know what to replace.

Starting fluid ignites at a much smaller spark.Look for tracking between the primary and secondary terminals on coil and cap. It may look like a pencil mark.

If the OP keeps using starting fluid he will have a lot bigger problems. Replace the cap, rotor and wires with new and go from there.

Wasn't your '83 the last year of the 22R carbureted engine? Clean your idle jet and inspect your vacuum lines.

Make sure your carb priming pump actually works. You can't assume anything on a vehicle this old.

'83 Toyota pickup start trouble in cold, wet weather

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2019
wd40 will help. but go out at dark and watch for sparks jumping. hold a screw driver on the spark plug wire and see if it jumps.
JRscooby
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2019
Does the engine leak oil? Does not take much oil to hold dirt. And the dirt will hold water. On the High voltage parts, a little oil/dirt/water will short the spark to ground. Remove cap and wires, use the starting fluid to clean them, let dry. Low cost to try.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 02, 2019
^Good suggestions.
And since the OP is not a mechanic, I’ll stress, let the ether evaporate Completely before cranking it over! If not and you do have any arcing you’ll know it immediately!!

This could very likely be a combination of issues as well. We don’t know how well the truck has been maintained. 37 years old is an antique. My ‘74 Jeep, all original stock starts and runs awesome...now. Complete tune up, points, new fuel pump, rebuilt the carb.
Ran like schitt before I did all that.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 02, 2019
Also, how fresh is the fuel? Is this a daily driver or only run occasionally?
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2019
You actually tow with this?
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 02, 2019
2oldman wrote:
You actually tow with this?

Is this a pertinent question to the diagnosis of the man's issue with his truck or just playing forum poolice?
BenK
Explorer
Dec 02, 2019
More info would help

How does it run after it finally starts ?

If it then runs as before, then most likely fuel delivery during starting...as the starting fluid only lasts a few seconds and the regular fuel system takes over

If it runs poorly after it starts, then add ignition area to the suspect list

Then more complexity things, but gotta know how it runs after the starting fluid
bguy
Explorer
Dec 02, 2019
Is your choke fully closing?
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 03, 2019
Grit dog wrote:
2oldman wrote:
You actually tow with this?

Is this a pertinent question to the diagnosis of the man's issue with his truck or just playing forum poolice?
Little of both. Doesn't matter.. he's gone.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 03, 2019
Thank you for your service officer 2oldman.

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'83 Toyota pickup start trouble in cold, wet weather

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