7 replies to this topic

[MiniMadMan1996]

I want to waterproof my distributor and I've heard that you can get some sort of sleeve that clips round it which makes it waterproof, or at least less prone to arcing, has anyone ever heard of this or even know where to get one because I've trawled the internet to try and find one but I can't 

[MrBounce]

You used to be able to buy a kit from the dealers but I think these have vanished as I haven't seen once since 1994. It's just as easy (and cheaper) to use a Marigold glove with the finger tips cut off and some cable ties. Or buy a proper weather shield that covers the front of the engine.

[Craig89]

Rubber glove with the ends of the fingers cut off to put the leads through. I however just put Vaseline between the dizzy cap and base

[BritishRacingGreen]

Just upgrade to electric ignition and save yourself a load of hassle.

[alex-95]

Like above cut the tips off the fingers on a marigold glove put it on and cable tie the fingers to the leads.

[MrBounce]

Just upgrade to electric ignition and save yourself a load of hassle.

 

Doesn't always work. I had electronic ignition (Magnetronic) and I had problems in heavy rain.

[BritishRacingGreen]

 

Just upgrade to electric ignition and save yourself a load of hassle.

 

Doesn't always work. I had electronic ignition (Magnetronic) and I had problems in heavy rain.

 

Odd, I upgraded from points to electronic (Powerspark) and with a new cap and leads I never had any problems whatsoever after that with rain. I've been through some pretty deep puddles as well and it's been faultless.

[tiger99]

There is some slightly unpredictable advice there, because it will mostly work, on most cars, but not always. I don't doubt that those who claim success really do have it working for them. Electronic ignition, especially the capacitive discharge type, which seems to be rare these days, does certainly help in wet conditions, but regardless of what you do in that area, a really wet distributor will ALWAYS result in a badly running or non-running engine.

 

The original waterproofing equipment was also virtually useless, as it caused condensation inside the distributor, with the inevitable tracking, but if you want to try it anyway, see here:

 

http://www.somerford...page=page&id=74

 

It is best just to keep water off the ignition system by using one of the many water shield variants that were fitted over the years. See here:

 

http://www.somerford...page=page&id=75

 

You should also use waterproof boots on the coil, HT leads at the distributor cap (item 8 in the link), and spark plugs. The Marigold glove idea is basically sound, but in some cases may result in condensation inside the distributor. Don't ask me why that happens only on some engines, I really don't know, but it does.

 

A good coat of Damp Start (don't get it on your fingers, it is horrid, sticky stuff) over the cap and leads is also usually helpful.