Wet weather problem 124 series

[emimec]

I seem to have a 260e that is shy of puddles !!!

Cant avoid sometimes driving through a puddle on the kerbside of the road, if there is too much water in said puddle, my engine looses power, I would say it cuts out, but recovers very quickly as puddles are not too big, I'm sure a longer stretch of water would cause a complete stop of the engine.

I did the usual, sprayed everything with WD40, but it still happens.

I had previously fitted new leads, BERU silicone I think, and dont recal anytthing being loose.

As the electrics are "high" up, cant see how water gets in.

Any ideas please
Bob

 

[mattkh]

I seem to have a 260e that is shy of puddles !!!...... I would say it cuts out, but recovers very quickly
Any ideas please
Bob

Hi
If it recovers quickly, then I dont think it is a water issue.
I think there is a loose electrical connection that is made worse by the jolt. What happens if you go through the pothole when there is no water in it ?

 

[television]

WD40 is not good sprayed over everything, there are better products

 

[grober]

Its more likely you have a wiring insulation problem somewhere where the water provides a convenient path to earth. Go through a deep puddle and the entire car electrical system experiences a high current drain to earth somewhere which drops the system voltage down a couple of volts- The engine electrics wont like that and hence the rough running till normal voltage is restored. I take it the plastic undertray/cover under the engine is still in place---- on some cars they break/fall off and are never replaced---- they have both an aerodynamic function and stop alot of water from entering the engine compartment.

 

[emimec]

Apologies for the delay in replying, festive stuff got in the way.

The car does have the under tray in place. Normal bumps in potholes does not cause a problem, its only wet weather, and usually going through a puddle on the nearside, like a puddle in the kerb side of the road. Having said that, just before christamas, driving down a dark country road, I didnt see until too late, the whole road was flooded, and drove straight through the lot, car died immediately, took about 20 mins to get her going, again, a liberal spray of WD40 on all engine electrics, and eventually she fired up.

I cant see any obvious poor connections apart from the rubber boot is half off the main Alternator connection.

Suggestions have been the crank sensor on the front pulley ? or sucking in water to the air intake ? Or fuel pump electrics.

I guess the only way to test is to get the car up on a ramp and blast it with a jet wash spray and see where it faulters.

Whatever it is, its a real pain, frightened to go out in the car at the momment due to having had so much rain.
bob

 

[kth286]

I wonder if the belt is slightly loose & slipping on those front pulleys, which drive
alternator etc etc

 

[emimec]

Thanks
I hadnt noticed any screaming sounds I had with other cars and slipping belts, but having had the head gasket done a while ago, its a possibillity worth looking at.

But would this cause the engine to stop, surely the battery would supply any missing power ? ?

Bob