Grr.....
Looks like my old adversary Murphy has come back for a visit - I've known for awhile that my truck is in need of some work - and today that was brought home to me in spades. Awhile back I started getting a "check engine" light in wet weather that was caused by the #4 spark plug wire going to ground due to moisture buildup. Looks like moisture has gotten into and grounded the entire ignition system. Earlier today, I went out to go to the post office and vote in the primaries and the truck would crank but not start. Plenty of sign of condensed moisture under the hood - but no start. Called AAA and they got a tow truck to me in about 20 minutes - I'll give them 5 stars for response time - but still no start so next was a tow to my local repair shop. No charge since it was within the 3 mile free tow limit. The downside is that I was supposed to work a 3 to 11PM shift tonight and that meant taking emergency vacation for today. Repair shop says they will have the truck back to me tomorrow hopefully before noon. Since this problem is getting old in a hurry I'm having them do a tune up and put in new spark plugs, wires, rotor, etc. I'm hoping that is all it is - not a problem with a fuel pump or the like. With any luck at all the bill should come in under the $300 to 400 dollar range - but at this point I'm not counting on luck. One thing I have to be thankful for though - at least the truck didn't die out on the road away from home! It could be a lot worse.