[zipwood]

First off, all the best to everyone in 2023!
I have reviewed a couple of older threads related to "Engine cranks, tries to fire but will not fire" I am having the same issue. I drove this vehicle in early Dember 2022, parked it, and subsequently had a pretty solid snowstorm, a deep freeze, then ice rain and heavy rain. After all this soaking, I went to start it up: it is cranking fine and once in a while it feels like it will fire, but nope. I finally took the air intake off and noticed the lingering vapour hanging around. I truly suspect this weird weather has soaked things but before I pull off the Dog House, I have some stupid questions:
This is a 2003 Safari with 4.3 L Vortec V6: Fuel Injected? If yes, does it really have a distributor cap? Or is more of a coil thing? The photo shows the lingering vapour int the air intake.
Any insight is appreciated in advance.

 

[sixsix]

Yes, it is fuel injected, via throttle body.

And it does have a distributer - not accessible from under the hood.
The inside engine cover(s) keep you from seeing it.

A quick search should show you what I mean.

 

[Rod's Trucks]

First off, nice photo of the 'fog' .
I do not think I could have captured that, or even realized it was there.
How cold was the air temperature when you took the picture? I am curious as to how long that 'fog' may remain to be visible.
Unless the weaterh was very cold, I cannot se it being anything other unvaporized fuel. That would indicate an ignition problem.
Many have commented on finding condensation inside the distributor cap during particularly cold wet times. The end result being no ( or very erratic) spark to the plugs. In my case, it acted like the timing chain had jumped teeth. A new cap and rotor solved the issue one time, and just a hair dryer helped a second time ( a year or so later) . I kept the little used cap as a spare a spare. It seems to be fairly common issue, and would likely be more of an issue on a seldom used vehicle. If you have not pulled the doghouse and inspected the distributor cap, I would strongly suggest you try that first.
Rod J
Issaquah, WA

 

[zipwood]

Yes, it is fuel injected, via throttle body.
best
And it does have a distributer - not accessible from under the hood.
The inside engine cover(s) keep you from seeing it.

A quick search should show you what I mean.

Looks like it is time to pull off the doghouse
Thank you very much and all the best in 2023

 

[zipwood]

First off, nice photo of the 'fog' .
I do not think I could have captured that, or even realized it was there.
How cold was the air temperature when you took the picture? I am curious as to how long that 'fog' may remain to be visible.
Unless the weaterh was very cold, I cannot se it being anything other unvaporized fuel. That would indicate an ignition problem.
Many have commented on finding condensation inside the distributor cap during particularly cold wet times. The end result being no ( or very erratic) spark to the plugs. In my case, it acted like the timing chain had jumped teeth. A new cap and rotor solved the issue one time, and just a hair dryer helped a second time ( a year or so later) . I kept the little used cap as a spare a spare. It seems to be fairly common issue, and would likely be more of an issue on a seldom used vehicle. If you have not pulled the doghouse and inspected the distributor cap, I would strongly suggest you try that first.
Rod J
Issaquah, WA

The weather was pretty nice today - 10 c (50 f). The photo was from my iPhone and yes that fog is fuel vapour. I shall pull the dog house, dry out everything, and report. Thanks for the tips and all the best in 2023

 

[zipwood]

Happy to report that this 2003 Safari is running. I took off the doghouse, checked the distributor wires, tried to crank it and for whatever reason it fired up. I would like to say I did something, but I did not (this Van is like a good lady - you put in the effort and she will reward you ). Anyhow, since I pulled off the doghouse, I will be ordering a new rotor and distributor cap and maybe even a coil. All the best to all.

 

[AstroWill]

I will be ordering a new rotor and distributor cap and maybe even a coil. All the best to all.

Check for Pancake Distributor Disease while you are there, or the new cap/rotor fix may be temporary