Engine: 70 R: Water Ingress/Starting Problems When Parked Downhill

[sdg1970]

As per title. I've noted after a very heavy downpour when parked downhill (front first) I get starting issues/moisture/water ingress. On the flat, no problems. After Storm Ciaran I can't get it started, fires for 10 secs then cuts out. No codes, fuel pump good. I'm suspecting water has got into the coil/rotor somehow?! Anybody else had this??

[Luxobarge]

What model, engine, year......?

[rabbituk]

I'm guessing this is a petrol since diesel doesn't have coil or distributor rotor.

Could water have gotten into the exhaust system during the rain?

As your location is Hell, maybe just wait a while and the moisture will burn off

[sdg1970]

Originally Posted by rabbituk

I'm guessing this is a petrol since diesel doesn't have coil or distributor rotor.

Could water have gotten into the exhaust system during the rain?

As your location is Hell, maybe just wait a while and the moisture will burn off

Entirely possible. I'd forgotten about that possiblity and I have a big 3" straight thru on it

[sdg1970]

Originally Posted by Luxobarge

What model, engine, year......?

I put 'Engine - 70R' as the prefix. 1997

I reckon it's water got in via the exhaust as per other posters thoughts. Might have to wait weeks.....

[Luxobarge]

OK, so that's a possibility but unlikely IMHO, I'd say your initial suspicions are more likely correct, I've had a LOT of condensation in my engine bay recently, although it hasn't given me any running problems the chances of some moisture inside the dizzy cap are fairly high - not difficult to remove, I think I'd be having a look and wiping it out, perhaps a quick spray with WD40 would be worthwhile too.

As I said on another thread, try taking the spark plug cover off and running it (or try to) in the dark - you may well find lots of sparks where there shouldn't be any, and again it's a quick and free test that can be quite revealing.

Having said all of that, I concede that none of that particularly explains why ot does it only when parked downhill!

All the best

[sdg1970]

UPDATE: It is either the fuel pump or relay. I'm hoping the latter. There is now no pressure at the fuel rail via the bicycle tyre valve and no hum for a second or two when the ignition is turned on.

[Baffler]

Check the two scuttle drains and their rubber hoses are free of debris. A flexible bottle brush works well. If they"re blocked it can cause water to overflow into the scuttle channel and submerge the fuse box especially if the two smaller drains at either end of the channel are also blocked. You'll need to completely remove the scuttle panel to gain proper access to these smaller drains.

[sdg1970]

It's funny really, because yesterday there was pressure at the rail, but no actual fuel pump hum. So I just assumed it was working. I'm assuming gravity is feeding a bit into it, as it takes an hour or so before it'll fire again and then stop. Makes sense I guess...

[Baffler]

If the fusebox has been submerged it may explain the intermittent supply.

Ideally you'll need to expose the scuttle for a better look at those smaller drains, remove the fusebox top and blow it out with compressed air, soak it with contact cleaner and then blow it out again, both above and below the dash, with compressed air.

If you have a household dehumidifier leave it in the car for 12 to 24hrs.