capn smokey

iTrader: (1)

Hey I have a problem with getting moisture in my distributor cap every time the weather changes or the humidity rises. I know other people have had this problem and Im curious as to whether anyone has ever developed a remedy or solution for this? Some kind of gasket or seal for the base of the cap would probably do the trick, but when I google'd that I found nothing. Any input would be greatly appreciated, Im sure any sbc could benefit from this issue being resolved.
Thanks-Jeremy

Apeiron

That wouldn't be a solution, it would be a band-aid. What problem is moisture in the cap causing for you?

rgarcia63

vacuum grease works for me.

capn smokey

iTrader: (1)

Umm, I think its pretty obvious what moisture in the cap causes. Spark scatter is caused by the spark jumping to water molecules instead of jumping to the proper terminals. You understand?
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You mean like dielectric grease? That is a good idea.

Apeiron

Millions of cars don't have that problem. What makes yours unique?

capn smokey

iTrader: (1)

What are you talking about? Any car with a distributor will act up if there is moisture in the cap, there is no way an engine can run properly if moisture is present in the cap. Tons of people have this problem, maybe you have been living under a rock.

Apeiron

Yes, standing water under the cap will cause problems, but humid weather shouldn't pose a problem. Sealing it up traps ionized gasses inside, which shortens the life of the cap. Spraying the inside of the cap lightly with a silicone spray to prevent moisture from condensing out of the air and using a vented cap to allow moisture to escape more easily instead of staying trapped inside would be better.

rgarcia63

I only use the vacuum grease to seal the distributor ICM and plate to keep moisture from entering from where it shouldn't - this doesn't mean that the distributor is air tight.

Air will enter from breather holes in the plate which are covered with a fine mesh screen.

chevymad

The problem is pretty well known actually. There's even a note included with new Echlin brand caps sold at Napa. Sealing the cap is the exact opposite of the fix though. According to the Echlin note you should knock the screens out of the bottom plate rgarcia pictured. They say the screens plug up and then don't allow proper venting to remove the moisture.