Water in distributor cap?

[sbrodacz]

I took the 80 off roading for the first time. I went through some water that was deeper than expected. Later on I started to get a rough idle. Inconsistent and rough at times. The only thing I could think of is water could have splashed into the distributor cap. Is there anything else I should look at? Is it best to take the distributor cap off and use a rag to dry anything thats wet (if it is wet)?

If it does end up being the distributor cap what is the best way to water proof it? I watched a video on an older toyota pickup where they attached a hose to the breather on the cap and ran it into the cab.

 

[blkprj80]

You might also want to look into the top of your spark plugs to see if you got water down alongside a plug.
Check your air filter.
Check your o2 sensor connectors ahead of and behind the cats (not sure if you have behind cats).
If you find water in there, chase it out with WD-40 and let it drip out and then wipe clean with a rag.
I've seen a few threads on waterproofing the distributor. A search would probably find them.
Hope you got some cool pictures to share!

 

[sbrodacz]

You might also want to look into the top of your spark plugs to see if you got water down alongside a plug.
Check your air filter.
Check your o2 sensor connectors ahead of and behind the cats (not sure if you have behind cats).
If you find water in there, chase it out with WD-40 and let it drip out and then wipe clean with a rag.
I've seen a few threads on waterproofing the distributor. A search would probably find them.
Hope you got some cool pictures to share!

Thank you.

Oh I do. Videos too. I've started up loading them to my build thread.

 

[sbrodacz]

Took the distributor cap off. It was dry. Added electrical grease to the spark plug wires. Still not idling right. The only other thing I can think of is the 02 sensors getting wet. They're brand new.

 

[george_tlc]

It's not the O2 sensors that get wet and cause problems - it's the connectors for the O2 sensors. Fill the connectors with dielectric grease. Make sure the wire/insulation (that goes through the little rubber seals/grommets) is well sealed.

If you decide to put a breather hose on the distributor, be careful where it is terminated (i.e. choose a good dry source of 'air'). Mate had the his pickup coils in his distributor corrode/disintegrate - not sure if he sealed it up or spliced the breather tube to the front diff extended breathers... anyhow, bad news and it stranded him for several days while chasing parts and fault finding his ignition failure.

cheers,
george.

 

[sbrodacz]

It's not the O2 sensors that get wet and cause problems - it's the connectors for the O2 sensors. Fill the connectors with dielectric grease. Make sure the wire/insulation (that goes through the little rubber seals/grommets) is well sealed.

If you decide to put a breather hose on the distributor, be careful where it is terminated (i.e. choose a good dry source of 'air'). Mate had the his pickup coils in his distributor corrode/disintegrate - not sure if he sealed it up or spliced the breather tube to the front diff extended breathers... anyhow, bad news and it stranded him for several days while chasing parts and fault finding his ignition failure.

cheers,
george.

I meant the connectors. I was having a hard time disconnecting them. I picked up some dielectric grease and used it on the spark plug wires. I did not see a breather hole on the distributor cap. It look completely sealed.

 

[george_tlc]

Tiny holes are on the bottom side of the distributor housing.

cheers,
george.

 

[sbrodacz]

Tiny holes are on the bottom side of the distributor.

cheers,
george.

On the actual distributor or the cap?

 

[george_tlc]

not the cap...

cheers,
george.

 

[St Joe Crusier]

Have you changed the cap and rotor, I had a similar issue with moisture. Didn't realize the tube from the cab slipped off so a dusting of rust formed inside the cap. Had a rough acceleration until I changed cap and rotor. Make sure both vacuum lines are on your two vent Dist. Cap and the O ring is in place for you Dist. Cap.

 

[inkpot]

There are 3 holes in the base. Breathers? I plugged the top most one with RTV and it keeps most of the water out and still allows air in thru the other 2 holes. So far no corrosion visible in dizzy.

Oops! I am talking about a 1 FZJ motor.

 

[sbrodacz]

Have you changed the cap and rotor, I had a similar issue with moisture. Didn't realize the tube from the cab slipped off so a dusting of rust formed inside the cap. Had a rough acceleration until I changed cap and rotor. Make sure both vacuum lines are on your two vent Dist. Cap and the O ring is in place for you Dist. Cap.


View attachment 1128217

I did. Maybe a month ago.

 

[blkprj80]

And, how was that air cleaner?

 

[sbrodacz]

And, how was that air cleaner?

The air cleaner?

 

[blkprj80]

Air filter. Was it full of water?

 

[sbrodacz]

Checked it today. It was dry.

 

[sbrodacz]

I am starting to think my idling issue may not have anything to do with water. About a month or so ago the 80 started to idle rough. Did a full tuneup. Plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. If then started to idle worse and threw code 26. Unplugged the 02 sensors and it ran fine. Put in two new oem Toyota 02 sensors and it ran great for about 150 miles. It's idling like it did before the tune up. Maybe it still has to do with the O2 sensors. It did start idling bad after wheeling so maybe it is water on the 02 connector. I don't know. It's frustrating.

No check engine light just a inconstant idle. It's only at idle. Regular driving it's fine.