Ok, so when I go out to start it in the morning, I have learned to crank it a couple times, turn off the key, turn it back on, wait for fuel pump relay light to go out, and then it starts right up. I changed the relay, and it does the same thing. I drive about 5 minutes to the coffee shop (engine not completely warm yet), turn it off, eat for about 15 minutes, and then when I go to start it, it cranks and cranks. When it eventually starts, it runs rough - like it's missing, then finally smooths out. If I initially drive it enough to completely warm it up, it starts right up after that.
I believe it is a spark issue, not fuel. I have pulled plugs - no oil leaking through spark plug tubes (replaced o- rings).

Can anyone diagnose the problem?

Thanks!

 

If you think it's park, pull one plug out and see what type of spark you are getting. I'm presuming you don't smell fuel, which is why you think it's spark. For it to be a no start, it shouldn't matter which spark plug you pull, I would presume the spark will look weak. Since you didn't mention mileage, or how long since any maintenance was done, obviously start with spark plugs, then wire, cap and rotor, and finally distributor if that doesn't work. Sounds central to me like cap/rotor or a bad distributor. It's possible you have an oil leak in the distributor, so of course check that as well.

 

Thanks very much. I'll check the spark, and check out the distributor. If I don't see anything, I guess I'll start replacing wires, cap, rotor.. It starts instantly when it's cold or hot, but if it's in that middle range, not so good. It's almost as if there's a choke malfunctioning - and of course that's fuel related.

Yesterday I let it idle until it was good and hot. It seemed to idle around 400 rpm, and every 5-10 seconds it hiccupped (missed).

Very much appreciate the help!!

 

I think you might've nailed it. I finally got around to pulling the distributor cap off, and the top center electrode was completely encrusted with greenish-white oxidizing The other 4 had some as well, so I sanded them all clean, and the engine roared to life instantly - a sound I haven't heard in a very long time, if ever.

Thanks so much for your help. Love this forum!

 

Excellent, glad to hear, and glad you reported back. Your feedback helps the next person looking to solve their issue.