Do you know about distributor caps?

[TooCute]

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I was having problems with my car stalling when it was raining/humid outside. I just got my car back; they replaced the distributor cap and two ignition wire; said they sprayed it with water and then my car was having the problems I described and that this should fix it.

Of course, that's what they said when the replaced the same stuff less than a year ago. At that time, it fixed the problem for a while but it came back quickly, like within a month.

So either 1. the problem isn't the distributor cap or 2. my distributor cap and ignition wires are getting fucked up way quicker than they're supposed to.

We shall see the next time it rains, maybe tomorrow, if the problem returns. If it does, I will take it back.

In the meantime, any brilliant ideas as to how I could distinguish between problems (1) and (2)? Any insight from the more mechanically inclined on the board?

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[KCfromDC]

What kind of car is it? Are there any holes or missing pieces on the inside fender wells? Are/were there plastic splash guards that are damaged or missing? generally, water is not supposed to be able to get that close to the ignition, except for extreme circumstances.
My 2 cents.

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[TooCute]

It's a 92 jeep cherokee.

Actually there probably IS a hole somewhere now that you mention it; I've recently been having leaks on the pasenger side door, too. It's not leaking around the seal of the door; that's totally intact. I noticed that water was dripping down from around the egde of the rubber tube that protects all the wires going to the door from the front of the car, ie water is leaking in under the hood somewhere and running down , collecting in the rubber thing and dripping into the door from there (does that make sense)?



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[KCfromDC]

Yes, that does make sense. SUV's are especially vulnerable to water related ignition problems, considering their ride height, and people's tendencies to use them during foul weather when there is an abundant over use of corrosive melting agents like salt and sand everywhere. I would hose it down from over the hood and from under the grill near the front axel and see if you can figure out if there is water getting in. Also note if there is a lot of chalky white residue around ignition components, that is quite often dried salt after the water has evaporated.

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[high fly]

Moisture in the distributor cap-- a problem with many cars back in the day.

Can't have it...

" and they ask me why I drink"

[TooCute]

I would hose it down from over the hood and from under the grill near the front axel and see if you can figure out if there is water getting in.

Yeah. Now if only it weren't butt ass cold outside.

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[dotsncoms]

spray your distributor cap with wd 40. It will help keep out moister and keep the system grounded.Only spray the exterior and the wires.

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This message was edited by dotsncoms on 12-5-03 @ 9:05 AM

[TooCute]

Should I spray it even now, when it's all brand new and shiny looking? Should I just spray it at connection points, ie between wires & cap, and wires & engine, or should I spray all of it, including all the plastic coated stuff?

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[carguy]

Spray the inside of the cap with contact cleaner or wire dryer, put a little di-electric grease on the contacts inside the cap, the top of the rotor, and in the plug boots. That will help keep corrosion down. You can also drill a small hole in the side of the cap so moisture has a way out.

[ADF]

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[sr71blackbird]

WD40. with the W and D standing for Water Dispersal, will remove any water around the distributor cap, I also spray the inside of the cap, to get rid of any moisture inside it. Ive never had a problem spraying it inside. Once my car stalled out after going through a very deep puddle and a cop taught me that trick, and Ive done it a few times and it works.

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[hyperspace]

I know from my auto days that Jeep had alot of trouble with their carburators. some mechanics recomend removing the computer controlled carburator and installing the old style non computer type. this problem was in the late 80's vehicles but i'm not sure about early 90's. your vehicle could also be fuel injected(has no carb) but the distributor cap could also be the problem wd-40 is ok to spray on.

[sr71blackbird]

Here's more (http://bangernomics.tripod.com/breakdown.htm) that can help you, it has alot of whats covered here too.

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