water vs engine

[dazlee]

Hi all

Recently, I have had problems with the vp not starting (previous thread). It was turning over but nothing was happening. I remembered this happening the day after I washed the car with a pressure hose which I merrily sprayed over the front of the car, no doubt blasting away into the engine compartment. On 2 occassions that I did this, the vp didn't start the next day but was fine after a day or so. since I stopped washing the vp this way, I have had no further incidences.

Anyways, the other day on my way to work, the roads were totally washed out due to the wonderful british weather we have experienced here recently. That evening, the car wouldn't start. The breakdown came out and luckily towed me. Next day,the car started fine but later on in the day, again it wouldn't start.

Since then (2wks ago), the car has been starting fine. I am starting to think the problem is down to water getting onto the engine, possibly in the cap?Has anyone else had this problem? I've sprayed wd40 around the cap but I can't take the cap off to dry it out (when it doesn't start) because the garage who fitted it tightened one of the screws holding it in place too tight that I have now buggered the screw up trying to take it out.

Anyone have any good ideas to taking this screw out? Presumbaly if I manage it, then I will have to buy a new cap (someone mentioned you can't buy screws for them?)


Again, without this forum's help, i'm sure i would have given up on my vp by now. I've started to become attached to the thing that as it's only done 40k I don't want to get rid of it!

Many thanks

Daz

[E_T_V]

Which engine has your VP got? The S series or the R series?

Personally I'd get a new set of HT leads a new rotor arm and a new distributer cap then fit them all. Also check that the electrical connections to the coil are good and tight and free from corrosion. Also I'd unplug every electrical connector you can find and give it a good dose of WD40 then plug it back in. (pay particular attention to the crank angle sensor if it is an S series as they often corrode and being located on the front of the block they are vulnerable to water ingress).

That will most likley cure your problems, if not then we'll have to have another think.

[G Force]

Hi, to get the distributor cap screw out that is damaged; using a junior hacksaw put a cut across the centre of the screw head then use a large flat blade screwdriver with a sharp blade to remove the screw. Sometimes giving the screw head a firm sharp tap will aid removal.

Cheers gary :)

[E_T_V]

Or if you are replacing the cap you can break the old one off (put a crack in it around the screw) then grip the screw head with stilsons/footprints/self gripping wrenches then wind it out. Try Garys method above first but if that doesn't work brute force will!

[MaestroMatt]

Which engine has your VP got? The S series or the R series?



Must be the S series - the R series cap is held on with things that look like bent paper-clips but aren't quite as strong.