Wet-weather headache?

[loki_the_glt]

Is the Valdez the only B230F-equipped 940 that doesn't like seriously wet weather?

Three times now I've had the same problem - loss of power, like a failed carburettor diaphragm on an SU/Stromberg, leading to parking up on the hard shoulder. When the breakdown man arrives the car starts and runs perfectly, presumably because the car's had 30 minutes to dry out.

Last time out the recovery man suggested damp-proofing the distributor cap assembly as rain is being thrown into the distributor assembly, which is at the back of the camshaft and not where it was always intended to be on the side of the block. This has been done, but I've not had any sufficiently nasty weather to evaluate the solution.

Anyone else got any bright ideas?

[roadcar2000]

Funny never suffered that problem. Thought back of the engine was the driest spot.Had a Cortina once that behaved identically to yours. Feeling stupid when AA arrive and it bursts into life. On Early Mini's and 1100's had same same thing because the distributor was right behind the grille. Used to solve it by putting a plastic bag over the distributor and secure it with an elastic band. Don't suppose any of that is any real help. Just the ramblings of an old man. Good luck with your boot full of dampstart.

[Steve940estate]

I have read somewhere that water in the head mounted distributor was a problem. Water runs off the bonnet seal apparently.
My later 940 has a different seal to the early car.

[loki_the_glt]

Well, after today's impersonation by the weather gods of St. Swithin's month it appears that the Valdez's ignition system is water-tight. It looks like the really sensible location of the distributor (on the back of the camshaft) really is sensible - if the assembly is waterproofed beforehand.

[Oilydad]

Silly question but are you sure it's the Distributor? Never had this in over 100,000 miles in 940's. As others have said, the end of the camshaft is a pretty hot and watertight spot when the engine is running.

Same symptoms would also suggest a failing fuel injector relay. Take it out, tap it, put it back. If the car starts, there's your problem.

Only safe cure is a new one.

[oman5]

I've had this problem with my 740 glt 16v. it starts to lose power and you have to change down to keep the speed up, misfiring etc. It's only ever done it in VERY wet weather

[jamies volvo]

Yup,book,tee shirt,film,porous dizzy cap!

[loki_the_glt]

Originally Posted by Oilydad

Silly question but are you sure it's the Distributor? Never had this in over 100,000 miles in 940's. As others have said, the end of the camshaft is a pretty hot and watertight spot when the engine is running.

Same symptoms would also suggest a failing fuel injector relay. Take it out, tap it, put it back. If the car starts, there's your problem.

Only safe cure is a new one.

General concensus among the recovery men (3 separate incidents) is that the dizzy is the culprit, not least because it only happens when someone dumps half the Atlantic over the M56/M6 around the Thelwall fireduck. In dry weather there's no trace of ignition-system misbehaviour.

If it is the relay I'll need to find it first, and the handbook is of hee-haw use on this subject. Methinks that the sustainable forestry product will have to go back into the Valdez's load area...