ignition problems when wet

[Brian Wilson]

As a new forum member, I have a problem with my F150 that I'm hoping someone out there can help me with. Recently, I bought a 96 F150 in excellent condition (mechanically and bodywise). It is only used as a second vehicle and to pull my boat and trailer. It has a 5.0 litre engine with no modifications. When it sits for a few days in damp weather, it won't start unless I put a hair blower on the ignition parts for a few minutes. I suspect there may be cracked plug cables or a coil or distributor that isn't sealed properly. I suppose that I could try to isolate the problem by eliminating each of the possible causes. However, I'm not that informed on auto mechanics and I wonder if anyone out there reading this might have had the same problem or might have a shortcut that I could take.
Brian

[sydscrew]

First of all, welcome to the board. You will eventually get an answer to any question posted to this board.

I had the same problem a few years back with a Dodge 3/4 ton. Even with the then new electronic ignition, the vehicle refused to start in damp weather. I was told by a mechanic friend to get some Silicone spray or any spray that will repell water/moisture and spray it on all the ignition cables, right down to the spark plug boot, but not on the spark plugs themselves. Also on the ignition coil cover, and also on the battery top and wires. I usually had to repeat this every 3 months, as the spray will eventually crack and chip. I went further and sprayed on all wires that I could find. Worked right up to the day I sold the truck.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

[Brian Wilson]

Originally Posted by sydscrew

First of all, welcome to the board. You will eventually get an answer to any question posted to this board.

I had the same problem a few years back with a Dodge 3/4 ton. Even with the then new electronic ignition, the vehicle refused to start in damp weather. I was told by a mechanic friend to get some Silicone spray or any spray that will repell water/moisture and spray it on all the ignition cables, right down to the spark plug boot, but not on the spark plugs themselves. Also on the ignition coil cover, and also on the battery top and wires. I usually had to repeat this every 3 months, as the spray will eventually crack and chip. I went further and sprayed on all wires that I could find. Worked right up to the day I sold the truck.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

Thanks for the suggestion. It's certainly worth a try. I'll see if I can get an appropriate spray at C.T.C.

[nvrenuff]

A new set of wires and a distributor cap & rotor can probably be had for cheap.
I have had issues with moisture in my ignition coil on my 5.0 in the past which wouldn't let my car start, replaced it and no more problems. Electrical insulation just wears down eventually and needs to be replaced.

Where are you located? if you are interested, I may just have a bunch of 5.0 parts off my stang you can have to try, unless I have already thrown them out

[Brian Wilson]

Originally Posted by nvrenuff

A new set of wires and a distributor cap & rotor can probably be had for cheap.
I have had issues with moisture in my ignition coil on my 5.0 in the past which wouldn't let my car start, replaced it and no more problems. Electrical insulation just wears down eventually and needs to be replaced.

Where are you located? if you are interested, I may just have a bunch of 5.0 parts off my stang you can have to try, unless I have already thrown them out

Thanks for the offer but I'm in Eastern Ontario close to Kingston and I note that you're in Alberta. I just bought some ignition spray to coat the wires etc. and I'll see if that works until I can get myself a set of wires, condenser and coil.