It will chug and chug but not actually start

Hello,

It sounds like moisture is going into the distributor cap. Probably due to a bad seal or a crack.
This is preventing the engine from getting spark and not starting.
As it dries up the spark is produced, and engine starts.

Inspect the distributor cap, there is a good chance of having corrosion inside the cap due to moisture.
Any time the cap gets replaced; it is recommended to replace the rotor as well.

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.