I bought a 96 Ram 1500 5.2L 318 recently as a backup work truck and it has run fine the few times i've used it. However, the other day it snowed and rained a little (2" slush & 35*) and it wouldn't start, just kept cranking. So i replaced the spark plugs and ignition coil but still no luck until engine just flooded. Decided to let it sit. Next morning it started right up on first try without hesitating (dry & 29*F). I let it run for about 10-15 mins then shut it off and restarted it fine. Left it until the next day (today) where it wouldn't start again (light rain & 40*F). I'm now confused because it only acts up in wet weather. The engine is getting fuel, air fiter is not clogged, no engine lights when it runs, all fluids are good, and spark seems fine. However, the catalytic converter is no good (rotted out, rattles, and leaks from a few spots). Don't think that would have anything to do with it not started but figured i'd put it in anyways. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this problem? Its driving me crazy. Thanks

 

Cracked distibuter cap, that is my only guess right off. Will run fine with it that way, but when it rains or get moisture in the air it will let it enter the cap and wont let the truck start. I have had that happen a couple times in the past with older Dodges, I had a Ramcharger that everytime it rained or snowed it would not start, and thats what it turned out to be.
No mater what, it sounds like you are getting moisture somewhere. Pull the cap, look for hair line cracks, or if you have it off just go ahead and change it.

 

another thing you could do is take a spray bottle and spray the wires at night, look for any arcing... you may have some bad wires causing arcing. and as mentioned above, cap & rotor.

 

Well i have new wires and cap and rotor that i bought along with the coil and plugs but didn't put them in because it doesn't look all that tempting to do with the distributor all hidden. I had thought that it might be the cap/rotor/wires, but didn't replace them at the time because there was still spark and it was already dark, then it started next day. But i guess i could start there since i already bought the stuff. I'll try and do it tonight then see how it goes. I think its gonna rain again tomorrow so i'll be able to confirm if it works. Thank and i'll get back to you about how it goes.