truck runs like garbage after rain.

[lukasmcdukas]

im stumped. my nissan runs fantastic when its nice out, but after a little rain, it barely runs at all, so sh*tty that it's not even drive-able. i thought maybe the distributor was getting wet, but i just checked it and its bone dry.
if i push lightly on the gas, it will rev like normal, but if i stomp it, it sputters and coughs and spits and barely revs. i checked my air filter, its pristine. the only thing else i can think of is the fuel filter? but it doesnt make sense that it runs fine when its dry. any suggestions? ive got 2 weeks of trash in the back that needs to get to the dump and who the f knows when the next sunny day is going to come along. i'll be out tearing into the fuel filter in the meantime...

[lukasmcdukas]

forgot to mention, this problem started practically overnight. one day it was fine, next day, ****

[lukasmcdukas]

so in the time it took me to read the repair manual, its running fine again. wtf?

[bradrhale]

you take the cap off and look for moisture/cracks?? sure does point to that, doesnt it?? might make sure all your connections are weather tight and good since it seems to correct itself after it dries out.

[leolkfrm]

sounds like the wires are shot, next time it runs bad, spray the wires with 30-5 or some other solvent. or spray water on just the wires

[ErwinRommel]

Or battery cable. Mine does that. It's spits and bucks and kicks and f*rts. The cable isn't on good or just ain't good connection but then afterwhile it won't do it no more until I take the battery out again.

[lukasmcdukas]

thanks for the advice guys. good to know i was at least pointed in the right direction...
brad, i will take the cap off and inspect for cracks, and next time it rains i'll examine for moisture.
leo, i checked all the wires, they're dang near brand new and everything fits snug, and all the connections are very clean- no corrosion, gaps, fraying, etc. i appreciate your help though!
erwin, the battery cable also looks immaculate, but likewise thanks for the suggestion.

i'm out of town for a few days but i'll be sure to let yall know what i find out when i get home. and how many times i get zapped while im futzing around with the distributor in the rain. much appreciated guys.

[leolkfrm]

If it only happenas in damp weather fil a spray bottle with water and start checking, the results may surprise you, i've seen a new mispalced wire arc.

[ErwinRommel]

Yes, it something electrical for sure.

Something when you hit a puddle it gets up on. Check low.

[lukasmcdukas]

Originally Posted by ErwinRommel

Yes, it something electrical for sure.

Something when you hit a puddle it gets up on. Check low.

thats what i first thought too, but it does it when the truck is stationary. splashing isnt the problem.

although i wonder if i didnt somehow crack the distrib. while i was out wheeling... todays the day, im gonna tear into it when i get home.

bonus: my roommate's car broke down while i was gone, so between the two of us, the only vehicle that runs and drives properly is the 89 ranger im trying to sell. makes me want to reconsider...