7 replies to this topic

[Thmsshaun]

Well been away for a week working so came back tonight and took the car for a spin. Coming back down the A38 towards Burton the car became very hesitant and began to misfire. It just about got me to my work where fortunatly the other car was parked for me to get home in. On lifting the bonnet there were signs of water on the distributor. I am assuming this is the problem.

Is this a correct diagnosis and is it common in this type of weather?

What have people done to preven this from happening?

Thanks

Shaun

[pikey7]

stick a marigold on the dizzy. Water and electricity don't mix!

[Dan]

Get a water shield, your car should have one as it's been a standard part for years. They really help. Keep all the ignition components clean as well which really helps with shedding water.

[Takeshi]

A temporary solution is WD40 (or equivilent), it is a water dispersant, should work for a bit. Don't know how far you will get before it happens again though.

[Thmsshaun]

Started earlier so I guess it has dried out. I just need to soret something to prevent it from happening again.

[stef]

like dan said use a water shield. i took mine off because i didnt like the look of it. but now its back on because of exactly your problem. if you dont have one then you can make one out of either plastic or metal. for extra safety use a marigold as well. check the condition of your ht leads too. mine were rogered because of the water.

[BiMU]

Yeah I had the same problem a few weeks back. I did the rubber glove trick... but only worked for a bit. Ended up replacing sparks, leads and distributor cap. Now works just fine. (just doesnt start in the morning probably my battery now!)

I didnt get a weather sheild with my mini and i know theres a company that make them for £25 i think called minimine.co.uk but the site doesnt work. They're in the last issue of Minimag so should be in this months. It would be good if someone can get a picture or even better have some dimensions so we can make our own?!

[stef]

well, its attached to the rocker cover at the top. u may have some metal brackets coming out from the cover, if not then you'll have to make them as well. then its just a case of making a piece of plastic to cover everything, and make sure it goes down past the grill. if you really want i can take you a picture of mine?