It's raining again..........

[Alro]

and my 190E won't start. 1.8 - manual - 1991 - 141kmls

Had this problem last autumn when every time we had 2-3 days of rain could not start, or if I managed to start, ran like a dog.

It is obvious that it's a rainwater ingress problem. Last time I tried to solve it, noticed a rubber/sponge seal was hanging into the fuse box/ brake master cylinder compartment from the plastic vent which runs below the windscreen. I re-attached this seal and since then there has been no problem, until a couple of weeks age when the rain/starting problem re-occured.

I have checked the seal and placed a piece of plastic over the fuse box to no avail. It seems as though there is a build up of water occurring somewhere which is causing a problem with the electrics, I say build up because if the car is used every day, the problem does not occur. It's only when the car has been standing for a couple of days rain.

There does seem to be a fair bit of water dripping into the fuse box compartment around the wiper mechanism and a pool of water always forms in the area nearest the engine, (yes, I have checked the drain holes and they're clear).

Someone suggested looking around the engine management area behind the battery. I should also mention that I had a new windscreen about 5 years ago. I have been contemplating drilling an extra drain hole where the water is building up.

Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance.

Al.

 

[Alro]

Re. Rainwater leak.

Someone down the pub suggested checking the sunroof drainage ducts, but I fail to see how that could affect starting. There is no evidence of water inside the car.
I drilled a 6mm hole in the fuse box/ brake servo compartment so standing water could drain down into the open engine compartment, but this has not made any difference (unless drying out time not long enough?).

Regards, still baffled,

Al.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Are you sure its rainwater, or could it be humidity? I'd have a look around the car, cleaning all earth points - including underneath the car (you may have to remove a few plastic trays).

Have you checked the air filter box, make sure that its not drenched?

Personally I'd pull the fuse for every single item thats not necessary for the car to start. If that solves it, then its a simple case of replugging everything until you find the culprit.

 

[Alro]

Thanks very much for your reply Parrot of Doom.

I'm struggling at the moment as I have left leg in plaster but I'll try what you suggest. I have opted for a new distributor cap and rotor arm as I cannot for the life of me figure this out and I ordered the bits today as it won't do any harm to renew them.

The thing is, if we have a dry day tomorrow, no problem, I guarantee it'll start first time as usual. It HAS to be something fairly basic, because she runs sweet when dry or even with 3" of snow cover!

I'll keep you posted, parts should be here Monday.

Regards,

Al.

 

[television]

the cap and rotor arm is a good place to start, clean the top of the coil as well.

If it is high voltage electeric leaking,when its damp start the car if you can when its dark and look under the bonnet, you will then see any tracking/leaking taking place on the sparking plug leads etc.

Malcolm

 

[turnipsock]

Have a look around the top of the coil and make sure this is not damp.

The easiest test is the one that Malcom suggests...open the bonnet in the dark.