1998 k2500 in a snow bank

[landscaper414]

I've checked a few threads and although they were very informative, i would appreciate some feed back. thank you for your responses in advance. I have a 1998 chevy k2500. the service engine light has been on for at least a month. i noticed a month ago 1 of the spark plug wires was showing visible wear and you could see a visible blue spark from one of the wires. i taped it with electrical tape. the truck has started fine for the last month and has been very reliable. I use this truck for daily landscape and snowplowing use. the truck has not been used for 2 days, it started and ran great 2 days ago. today it would not start and we're expecting snow tomorrow. Details: when i turn over the key the motor cranks strong, i have fuel in the tank, i hear the fuel pump, i smell fuel @ the motor, but no start. when i release the key as i crank the motor, still in the accessory possition the motor sputters 2-3 times, almost as if it wants to start. i have new plugs, wires, cap, and rotor on my work bench ready for install, but i haven't had the free time to replace the old parts. any ideas why the engine won't fire? in addition when i raised the hood tonight i noticed there was a small build up of fresh snow on the distributor cap and a small amount on a few wires close to the fire wall. I will be replacing the old parts with the new parts tomorrow morning, but i'd still appreciate any feed back.

[BajaScout]

My experience has been the distributer cap is a bit of a weak leak, at least with my 98. Add a little moisture and you have a recipe for not starting. I would replace the cap, expecially since you have one on hand. Do you still have spark? I have also learned to get a good quality cap. One with copper contacts. The one time I tried one with aluminum contacts, it lasted about 2 months.

[landscaper414]

i appreciate your response. i noticed others have looked at this thread, if others second the advise given about the distributor cap possibly being the problem the feed back will be appreciated. if you might have other recommendations i'd like to hear them. thank you.

[tempfixit]

I agree with BajaScout on replacing cap and rotor (preferrably with AC DELCO). Taping spark plug wires is also not a good fix. With snow on top of cap you may also have moisture in the cap.

[jrecken]

Do yourself a favor and replace the wires. When you push snow you need all the help you can get under the hood. With leaking wires your truck is not running at its best.

[dkitt10]

you had problems with your wires before and you used electrical tape to fix it..........the most LOGICAL thing to do is replace the parts you have new stuff already for and try her out then post back if theres an issue

[Elbert]

there is no fix to worn out plug wires.... you need to replace that stuff. I would sugguest you replace the fuel filter at the same time.

[bracketshark]

I also agree with the Wires and tuneup senerio, But the firing when the switch is released makes me think you also have ignition switch problems. We have changed several they run ~ $175 for just the switch.