96 runs like shit/stalls when it rains

[idfeiid]

First off Hi. I was a paying member about 2 years ago and I stopped coming around so I'm back.

Second, Just what the title says my 96 runs terrible when it rains/is really humid out. I get a total loss of power it seems to me like I either lose fuel pressure or I I lose spark. But why only when its wet out? This has been a problem for about a year but It's only getting worse. Thanks in advance.

 

[turtlewise07]

Im no expert BUTT!

Sounds to me like your getting moisture in the either the air intake ,or ?
shut off engine ,pop open hood ,and have a look,listen for cracked hoses,
leaks in air intake hose , if nothing else start engine set/parkng brake/
trans if man in neut /auto park duh ! but listen for hissing sound around
engine compartment, check for air leaks , dont put your hands in there
either if you enjoy using them . just be through in your search for leaks
take it to Kragens or to some auto parts place that can check it out for free
tell them just what s happening , lots of places to get help .even here
good luck

 

[Earl43P]

It's either coilpack or plug wires, most likely.

After dark, lift the hood, idle the engine, spray mist of water on plug wires and coil. Look for arcing and obviously running poorly. Viola, you've found it. An old windex bottle gives a good controlled spray. You don't want to use the garden hose.....

Last thing I can think of is the crank sensor. Spray around it too if it isn't the coil or plug wires.

 

[Mark_88]

Tempos came with a rubber distributor boot (I know, 96 doesn't have one) but it served a purpose...moisture gets on things and causes shorts...like Earl43P suggested...most times it's road spray getting through the rad opening and causing something to short...

You can spray your wires with that coating stuff that reduces arcing, or you can partially block the road spray by putting something over the rad (do not, REPEAT...do NOT cover the entire RAD)...either way...been there, done that...got my T-shirt soaked trying to figure it out...

 

[idfeiid]

Thanks guys.

 

[Rocky Ranger]

A clean engine is a happy engine

Look at the coil packs and ignition wires to see if they are coated in oil and dirt. this can create a ground for the spark to travel out of. Also old plug wires will do that in the rain too. next time it happens, get out a can of WD-40 and spray the plug wires. this will get you going again as the WD-40 displaces the water and then the WD-40 evaporates.

 

[tj4fa]

Look at the coil packs and ignition wires to see if they are coated in oil and dirt. this can create a ground for the spark to travel out of. Also old plug wires will do that in the rain too. next time it happens, get out a can of WD-40 and spray the plug wires. this will get you going again as the WD-40 displaces the water and then the WD-40 evaporates.

What RR said. I had a '76 Mercury Capri II with a 2.3 in it. Wouldn't even fire up on a humid/wet day. WD-40 on the distributor cap and wires did the trick.