condensation in distributor caps
09-10-2015, 05:18 PM
#1
condensation in distributor caps
I posted this in a different section earlier, before locating the W124 section.
I have been plagued by this problem for years, and several replacements of distributor caps, starting at 25k miles, replaced again at the 60k service...and again later when my mechanic found the caps filled with numerous, and I do mean numerous arc trails. He said he'd never seen a cap with so many, and was surprised it would run.
I thought my condensation problem was the result of rainy and also humid northwest weather, and have tried heavier O-rings, but the condensation returns, and yesterday, at the end of the driest, warmest summer here, the "missing/rough running" has returned. I wonder too, if it just doesn't get driven on a daily basis.
I love this great highway car which just turned 100K this year, and still gets at least 26 mpg on the highway, and it's best this past winter at 28mpg on a drive to southern California.
Into the shop it goes next week.
TomJ
I have been plagued by this problem for years, and several replacements of distributor caps, starting at 25k miles, replaced again at the 60k service...and again later when my mechanic found the caps filled with numerous, and I do mean numerous arc trails. He said he'd never seen a cap with so many, and was surprised it would run.
I thought my condensation problem was the result of rainy and also humid northwest weather, and have tried heavier O-rings, but the condensation returns, and yesterday, at the end of the driest, warmest summer here, the "missing/rough running" has returned. I wonder too, if it just doesn't get driven on a daily basis.
I love this great highway car which just turned 100K this year, and still gets at least 26 mpg on the highway, and it's best this past winter at 28mpg on a drive to southern California.
Into the shop it goes next week.
TomJ
09-13-2015, 03:19 PM
#2
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2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
Ford made a boot for 4cyl, 6cyl, 8cyl, It rubber and snaps over the cap removes this problem completely.
I use on the tractor and anything that has a distributor cap
I use on the tractor and anything that has a distributor cap
09-13-2015, 03:48 PM
#4
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2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
I found one laying in the shop for V8.
E5TE-12252-AA
this might have been superseded but it works. E5 = 1985 so look for ford PU or crown vic with a v8 in the bone yard and you are in business.
I just googled that part # and your in luck
Best, Gator
E5TE-12252-AA
this might have been superseded but it works. E5 = 1985 so look for ford PU or crown vic with a v8 in the bone yard and you are in business.
I just googled that part # and your in luck
Best, Gator
Last edited by GatorMB; 09-13-2015 at 03:51 PM.
09-17-2015, 11:40 AM
#6
progress report: so far it is looking like it hasn't been moisture/condensation that has been the problem in the distributors.
What we thought was condensation in the caps was actually a fine film of oil which was somehow getting past the dist. shaft seal. Most likely as a result of a clogged hose-- blowby in the PCV system.
New dist caps, rotors, seals, PCV system hose, and the ESTE 12252 AA rubber boot.
This is at 105,250. Here's hoping.
What we thought was condensation in the caps was actually a fine film of oil which was somehow getting past the dist. shaft seal. Most likely as a result of a clogged hose-- blowby in the PCV system.
New dist caps, rotors, seals, PCV system hose, and the ESTE 12252 AA rubber boot.
This is at 105,250. Here's hoping.
Last edited by RA6523; 09-18-2015 at 03:27 PM. Reason: update
