Safari Starting trouble

[Rileysowner]

If you don't know when the plugs, wires, etc were last done, I would suggest doing them. I had a similar hard start problem when it was cold and in the end it turned out to be the fixed by a tune up. I used a Napa cap that time and it died in a year as some people predicted it would. I have replaced it with a Delco, and replaced that with an Accel cap when I ran into a different problem which seemed to be the cap, but turned out to be the coil. I have not switched back to the Delco yet, but if/when the Accel cap dies a year after it was replaced I will put the Delco back in. However, we will see how the Accel lasts.

[Englando]

ok a little update.

So I went and bought all new plugs, wires, rotor, cap and PCV. Went to install to find the wires rotor and cap are brand new, spark plugs werent so I was able to replace 3 but the drivers side 3 I couldnt even get my hand down the side to reach them.....any suggestions? Also whilst I was on the drivers side of the engine I noticed a grey electrical plug corroded and haging down, it was supposed to be attached to somethign that was bolted into the block right above the 1st spark plug and header. Any ideas what it could be as it wont stay on as the grey part is supposed to be attached to the part in the block. I was able to attach it temporarily until I figure it out, ive tried searching for it online but cant find anything about it.

Anyway still have trouble starting it especially if its cold, once its been running its ok. Cant figure it out? if I spray starter fluid in it its starts almost immediately. its got me baffled!!!!

anyone have any other ideas?

[Rileysowner]

The easiest way to get to the plugs on both sides is to put the van on stands, take the wheels off, pull the protective skirt behind the wheel loose (just use a screwdriver to pry out the mounting plugs) then go in through the wheel well to remove and replace.

[Englando]

ok this might help with what the grey plug was. what goes in the hole directly under the "Vortac" lettering before the manifold?

[Rileysowner]

I have no idea on what that could be, sorry. Hopefully someone else will know.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I think that is one of the coolant temp sensors.

[Englando]

will that cause my starting problem if its the coolent temp sensor that runs off of the computer?

[Rileysowner]

If you found the plugs on the side you could remove were old, I would change the ones on the other side through the wheel opening. I'm not sure if the coolant sensor would cause a hard start.