1990 760 turbo wont start

goodevolvo · Post by **goodevolvo** » 31 May 2006, 13:28

My volvo wont start when it rains. As soon as I dry the engine with the hood up it starts fine and continues to until it rains again. The only visible moisture is on the solenoid and the distributor cap. She will turn over fine when wet but will not catch, although it seems to want to. Should I cover the dist and sol when it rains? Any help is appreciated.

Post by **billofdurham** » 31 May 2006, 15:42

Sounds like you are running to earth (ground) from your distributor cap or one of the HT leads.

Check all leads for damage and make sure they are in the clips to keep them away from metal. If necessary, clean the leads with a cloth with a little WD40 or similar.

If you do not need to replace the leads (no damage) spray well with WD40.

I don't think covering the distributor and solenoid is a good idea.

Bill.

goodevolvo · Post by **goodevolvo** » 02 Jun 2006, 09:27

Thanks for the help. Leads (?) look fine and are not in contact c metal. Not absolutely sure that I have the proper wires. These look like grounds conntected to both sides of the engine, connected to the disributor, and attached (grounded?) to the inside of the hood. Any more help is appreciated. Problem continues.

goodevolvo · Post by **goodevolvo** » 02 Jun 2006, 09:41

Hey Bill. Thanks again. Know what the HT leads are now. No loose connections there. I should spray the inner connections with WD? Let me know. Thanks.
Scott

Post by **billofdurham** » 02 Jun 2006, 11:33

The leads may be OK but from your original description of the problem it happens when the distributor and the starter solenoid are damp/wet. The high tension current in the distributor can track to earth through the casing or cap when wet.

Spray with WD40, don't wipe it off and this will minimise the risk of tracking.

I have seen a demo of this problem in a darkened workshop, lots of water on the distributor, try to start and we had a light show to beat all. Sparks were flying everywhere from the cap and body. Engine did not start. It was sprayed with WD40 and left to stand for a few minutes and started first turn of the key.

Where I live in the damp NE of England a can of WD40 is part of the tool kit.

Bill.

julian265 · Post by **julian265** » 06 Jun 2006, 19:51

Try to fix the 'seal' between the rear end of the hood and body so that water doesn't get through to your distributor.