Won't Start (Wet Weather)

[qewtr]

Hi all,

The old gal just won't start this morning. It rained quite a bit overnight, so I suspect there is water somewhere it shouldn't be. I've checked the plugs, the distributer cap, etc. Everything looks dry. Any ideas? Anything else I should check?

Thanks.

[bmcecosse]

I doubt rain would bounce up under the bonnet! Is the battery turning the engine over at a good speed? Is the fuel pump 'ticking' when you switch on? Is there a spark at the plugs? If so - tip an egg cup of petrol down the carb throat - and crank it... It should run for a few seconds - which proves the Ignition is ok.

[qewtr]

The engine turns over decently. The fuel pump is pumping.
I took a spark plug out and attached the distributor plug onto it, but it was hard to get close enough to see if it was sparking while turning the key. Maybe it isn't.

[qewtr]

It's a little tough to see because I have no-one to assist me, but it does look like there is no spark. The spark plugs themselves are quite new so they shouldn't be a problem. What should I check in the distributor?

[dalebrignall]

have you tryed spraying dizzy with damp start

[bmcecosse]

Good clean inside and out with nice dry cloth - test the spark by turning the engine with the handle. First check is security of connections at coil and dizzy - then check points gap - then rotor arm (any sign of tracking ?- fit an other if you have one) and try another condenser if you have one . BUT - ONLY make one change at a timer ! Come back and tell us how you get on.

[qewtr]

She's running this morning (Yay!). I hadn't actually had a chance to do anything - it's still pouring with rain here in northern NZ. Unfortunately I don't currently have anywhere dry to store her, but I put a cover over her last night, and it seems to have been enough to dry things out (maybe - I still don't know for sure that water is to blame).

The weather is supposed to clear tomorrow, and I will get in and have a good look at the coil/distributor. My suspicion is still that there is water/condensation getting into the electrics somewhere.

[bmcecosse]

Good news ! It does all need to be spotlessly clean - especially inside the dizzy cap. You could try looking at the engine while running in the dark - any escaping sparks will then be obvious.......