wont start in rain

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 5, 2004 | 11:27 AM

CrazyFazy

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 77

Likes: 0

From: Western MD

wont start in rain

Hi Guys newbie here with a problem. I have a 88 Ford bronco 2 that after it rains does not like to start. Engine turns over but sounds like it gets no spark. Havent had the time yet to confirm this, but I can smell fuel so I am almost certain it is the spark. When I try to start it the next day it will start right up. I think this is because it has dried out a little. This thing has been leaving me stranded everytime itrains or if there is a big increase or decrease in outside temperature. I can tell this because when I open the hood I can see the condensation built up on the engine block. Any help would be appreciated as other than this it runs pretty good. Thank you.

Jan 5, 2004 | 12:03 PM

mrshorty

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 3,742

Likes: 2

From: UT

It's been a long time since I've dealt with distributors, but that used to be a classic symptom of a bad distributor cap, rotor, or wiring inside the distributor. Not sure how it applies to the distributor on these engines. The condensations could also be exacerbating "spark leak" from bad spark plug wires and/or the ignition wire that goes from the coil to the distributor.

Jan 5, 2004 | 03:43 PM

CrazyFazy

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 77

Likes: 0

From: Western MD

Checked the positive going to the coil and had 12 volts but was getting nothing out of coil. I took off a plug wire and used it to check for spark from the coil and if it didnt turn out to be the wire itself. This was probably the easiest fix I have ever done. LOL. Thanks for the input. By the way does anyone know the easiest and least expensive way to get a little more power from this 2.9? Everything is stock, even the exhaust. Never had driven a 2.9 before but I keep thinking that it should still have more power than it has. When pulling out from a stop light or hill you really have to rev the engine or it will want to stall. Maybe I am looking for something that this vehicle never had though. Oh well, any suggestions are appreciated. Also my slave cylinder is leaking. I have asked several people if I have to pull tranny and have received several different answers. I have to add fluid every day to my reservoir. Is this a hard job? Thanks again.

CrazyFazy

Last edited by Ken00; Jan 5, 2004 at 04:13 PM.

Jan 5, 2004 | 08:35 PM

CrazyFazy

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 77

Likes: 0

From: Western MD

Forgot to add this. This engine idles great, but when you mash the gas quickly it falls on its face. But if the RPM's are high the bog goes away. I thought maybe the air cleaner was clogged and took off the big hose going to it so it would get enough air but this didnt work either. Thanks.

Jul 30, 2005 | 11:46 AM

90f150tx

New User

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

same problem

What did you do exactly? I'm having the same problem and didn't quite follow what you fixed. Thanks.

Jul 30, 2005 | 05:14 PM

IB Tim

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 161,999

Likes: 75

From: 3rd Rock

...Welcome 90f150tx, to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! Please read the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand this site.
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.