Car won't start

[D_ALPINE_M]

I have a 1990 4runner. I have replaced the distributor cap and rotor about 4 times now. I kept some of the old ones lying around in the back. Every now and then when I have trouble starting the car I would need to change out the cap and rotors and what do you know it starts right up. What gives? Does anyone on here know what could be the cause of this? any ides? leads? or what not would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jay

 

[markdifferent]

on my old 1990 4runner i found that the main plug, not sure what its called, but anyways it would come loose and not make a connection even though it looked to be attatched still. i later found out there are plastic guards which i didnt have that assure a good tight connection and the plug wires couldnt move. do you have those plastic connectors? just an idea hope it helps.

 

[D_ALPINE_M]

on my old 1990 4runner i found that the main plug, not sure what its called, but anyways it would come loose and not make a connection even though it looked to be attatched still. i later found out there are plastic guards which i didnt have that assure a good tight connection and the plug wires couldnt move. do you have those plastic connectors? just an idea hope it helps.

No I do not see any plastic connectors. I have just the oem plugs. Also are you talking about the plugs that comes from the coil to the cap?

Thanks

 

[markdifferent]

yes thats what i couldnt think of the coil to the dist cap plug. the point of the plastic pieces is to ensure the plug wires cant "back off" from the cap. but as i said maybe this isnt your problem. the coil plug wire should also have this plastic piece on the wire as well. i will look for some pics on here of it. thats how i found out i was missing it when i had my 90 model.

 

[D_ALPINE_M]

If you are refering to the plastic clip looking thing that is plugged into the coil then yes it is still there. I am going to be replacing all the wires and coil this week. Any thoughts?

 

[fourwd1]

You replace the cap + rotor with used parts and it starts ?

Maybe moisture build up, and the used parts are dry when you stick them on ?

 

[D_ALPINE_M]

You replace the cap + rotor with used parts and it starts ?

Maybe moisture build up, and the used parts are dry when you stick them on ?

These parts were originally brand new and they started to burn out the pins inside the cap. I then take a piece of sand paper and sand it down even the contact points on the rotor. Then I place it back in and good to know it starts back up.

When I replaced it with a brand new rotor and cap it went for a long time before it started acting up again. So now I have purchase a new cap, rotor, wires, and coil I hope this will do the job.

 

[fd59]

If you are refering to the plastic clip looking thing that is plugged into the coil then yes it is still there. I am going to be replacing all the wires and coil this week. Any thoughts?

Before you start spending money on parts that may not need replacing, get a good multimeter and a Hayes Manual and follow their guidelines for for troubleshooting the ignition system. It should only take an hour or so and you will probably find out exactly the source of the problem.


Off-the-wall item to check out --- You might want to look at the fusible link coming off the battery. On my Isuzu Trooper I had a problem with my ignition system "acting funny" and traced it down to a corroded area on the main fusible link coming off the battery. Once I remove the area that was corroded my problems went away.

 

[D_ALPINE_M]

Before you start spending money on parts that may not need replacing, get a good multimeter and a Hayes Manual and follow their guidelines for for troubleshooting the ignition system. It should only take an hour or so and you will probably find out exactly the source of the problem.


Off-the-wall item to check out --- You might want to look at the fusible link coming off the battery. On my Isuzu Trooper I had a problem with my ignition system "acting funny" and traced it down to a corroded area on the main fusible link coming off the battery. Once I remove the area that was corroded my problems went away.

Thanks I will give that a shot before doing anything else.