Wet Weather Startups...

[Jon350]

I hate starting the stang up in the rain. Say for intance i leave it outside overnight in the rain (i know, i hate the idea too), and try to start it up in the morning all it does is turn over forever, sputtering once or twice trying to come alive. Now, i've checked to see if water entered the carb., distributor, ignition coil, or spark plug wires, but not a drop could be found (the msd 6AL is in the mail).....I think it could be that the spark plugs simply aren't getting enough juice.

My question is, Is there anything known for resisting electricity when it's wet/damp in the ignition system? If i drive in the rain and let it warm up then turn the motor off I have no problems cranking it back on, it only happens when it's been sitting for a couple hours in the rain. Where are the gremlins hiding?

 

[1slyfox]

Have you checked plug gap?

 

[Jon350]

Have you checked plug gap?

Could outside water really affect plug gap?...or what's the correlation your making here that i'm missing? The motor starts up fine in freezing weather if it's dry....it starts fine any other time except in heavy rain..

 

[RGS0907]

Could outside water really affect plug gap?...or what's the correlation your making here that i'm missing? The motor starts up fine in freezing weather if it's dry....it starts fine any other time except in heavy rain..

I'd say that it's your cap and/or wires. They are affected big time by moisture. Another (less likely) possibility is that if you have an automatic choke, the spring is going bad.

 

[slapper]

I'd say that it's your cap and/or wires. They are affected big time by moisture. Another (less likely) possibility is that if you have an automatic choke, the spring is going bad.

I would have to agree. I would check the cap very closely with a 10x magnifying glass for hairline cracks.
Also where the primary wire enters the distributor, ensure that the seal/grommet is in good shape. Plug wires should also be checked closely at both ends, and throughout their length.
Check the coil to see if it's wetting oil, or otherwise possibly impaired by moisture.