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From: len10@ihuxw.UUCP (L. C. Dombrowski)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Old Buick Starting Problem
Message-ID: <615@ihuxw.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 12-Dec-83 14:09:44 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxw.615
Posted: Mon Dec 12 14:09:44 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 13-Dec-83 06:30:19 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, Il
Lines: 18

Auto running problems in wet weather are almost always due to
electrical problems.  The most likely items to check are your
distributor cap and your spark plug wires.  The distributor cap
will sometimes acquire a hair line crack which allows moisture
to accumulate on the rotor and electrodes.  You can usually see
the droplets on these surfaces when you pop off the cap.  The
cure is to replace the cap.

Spark plug wires normally deteriorate with age and build up of
dirt and grim.  Check them by idling the car at night with the
hood open and looking for electrical flashes around the wires
and plugs (good wires will show no flashes).  If you see flashes,
replace the wires.  Another fix is to carefully clean the wires
and then spray them with a product called Wire Dryer (available
at auto part stores).  This stuff works well but usually lasts
only 4-6 months, but the spray can will last for many applications.

                                   Len Dombrowski