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dragonflyspit's avatar
dragonflyspit
Explorer
Dec 01, 2019

'83 Toyota pickup start trouble in cold, wet weather

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.
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20 Replies

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  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Dec 02, 2019
    While bedlam and fish's suggestions could be the cause, it does sound more spark related.
    Check that it's getting fuel when you pump the throttle prior to starting.
    Seems electrical to me since the moisture seems to cause the issue.
    Cap and rotor are cheap and if they're old, it's a good idea anyway.
    Or may e first shoot the underside of the distributor cap with WD40.
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2019
    I’ll go with a previous answer......potentially a cracked rotor cap or the cap my have “carbon tracking” made worse with high humidity! memtb
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Dec 02, 2019
    enblethen wrote:
    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.
    A distributor cap would be my guess as well since it starts in dry weather.
  • kw_00's avatar
    kw_00
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2019
    FishOnOne wrote:
    Make sure your carb priming pump actually works. You can't assume anything on a vehicle this old.


    This as well.....
  • kw_00's avatar
    kw_00
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2019
    Carb issues? If it starts with starting fluid, I would look into the carb. Modern fuel made of ethanol really messes with the carb. I use non ethanol in all my carb equipment, even my 69 C10. Also check the fuel filter and replace.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Dec 02, 2019
    Make sure your carb priming pump actually works. You can't assume anything on a vehicle this old.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Dec 02, 2019
    Wasn't your '83 the last year of the 22R carbureted engine? Clean your idle jet and inspect your vacuum lines.
  • GeoBoy's avatar
    GeoBoy
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2019
    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.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 01, 2019
    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.
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2019
    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.

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