Engine wont start when wet

[89pathfinder]

Lately when it has been raining, or when i haul ass through a big puddle, water is splashing up on something in the engine bay thats not supposed to be wet. I am thinking something in the ignition. But the truck just will not start. It will turn over forever, i can smell gas but it just wont fire. If i sit there and just turn it over and over for at least 5 minutes it will eventually sputter and start. And then it will run fine. Anybody ever have a similar problem? Or have a guess as to what it could be?

[unccpathfinder]

dizzy cap or plugs...most likely the cap

[GrimGreg]

My guess is cracked cap, ignighter, or coil. When the water gets into the crack it causes a short.

[k9sar]

while you're at it, check the resistance of your plug wires. If too high, they will fire through the insulation or pinhole when wet. I agree to check the dist cap first.

[packie88]

had the sameprobelm and mine was the dist cap and rotor. replaced along with new spark plugs and wires and it ran like a champ

[Nissyota88]

I have the same problem. But no time to fix it till i get down to cali.