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distributor cap 200

posted by  Tomy7 on  Fri Mar 10 18:57 CST 2017
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I have 1983 Volvo 245 that for some reason the distributor cap terminals turn green when it rains or is damp out and then the car won't start I was wondering if anyone could help







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    distributor cap 200

    posted by  Volvodad on  Sun Mar 19 14:59 CST 2017
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    last visit: Thu Oct 23 16:18 CST 2014
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    Do you have the white Chrysler cap or the reddish-brown colored Bosch? My 83 (Calif-spec) has the Chrysler. 34 years on the original cap/rotor and still runs fine. (Now watch what happens...).

    I bought a replacement cap and rotor set a few years ago but they were definitely not the OE quality so I did not install, and am keeping them as backup only.

    I replaced the plug wires 8 years ago with Bougicord, which I believe is the OEM supplier. The original wires were scuffed where they had been rubbing on the cam cover and looked dodgy where they join the spark plug boots. I got a few more wire separators and stand-offs from the junkyard and made sure the replacements are secured, can't flex much, and are spaced away from metal surfaces.
    --
    Bob: Son's XC70, my 83 244DL, 89 745 (Chev LT-1 V8), 98 S90 (recently sold) and 2010 XC60. Also '77 MGB and four old motorcycles








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    distributor cap 200

    uid 40935's pic
    posted by  Goatman on  Sun Mar 12 02:01 CST 2017
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    last visit: Sat Jul 26 20:30 CST 2014
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    Hi,


    I would also say bad wires.. Are you using Volvo wires or cheapo wires?


    Goatman








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      distributor cap 200

      posted by  Tomy7 on  Tue Mar 14 18:16 CST 2017
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      I'm using bosch wires








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        distributor cap 200

        posted by  derek uk on  Wed Mar 15 06:50 CST 2017
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 12:33 CST 2014
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        A good wipe around of the sockets and the inside of the boots with silicone grease will help keep the damp out. You can also use a very light rub down of the inside of the cap with the grease to minimise tracking. This is the job that WD-40 is designed for. Spray the leads and the cap when you have the problem. Wiping the leads with it using a rag is less messy but spray for quick results.
        Watch the leads for sparking when parked up in the dark. Can be most enlightening (sic).








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          distributor cap 200

          posted by  jwalker on  Wed Mar 15 09:04 CST 2017
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          last visit: Fri Jun 6 08:39 CST 2014
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          I concur. Find a very dark place and with the engine idling open the hood and look for arcing in your wires. Yes, it is enlightening and entertaining too..:)

          Also clean the inside of your cap as instructed. BTW - What do your cap and rotor look like on the inside? Is there a lot of wear, scoring and burn marks? What about cracks or other damage in the rotor?

          Is your distributor cap Bosch? OEM cap and rotor are Bosch and the wires are Bougicord. If your Bosch wires are old that might be the source of your problem. I recommend Bougicord. They last a very long time.








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    distributor cap 200

    posted by  riverbend on  Sat Mar 11 08:21 CST 2017
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    last visit: Wed Oct 22 15:29 CST 2014
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    The most likely cause of hard starting in wet weather is bad plug wires. When it is dry and the car starts, try spraying the wires with silicon oil. If the helps or solves the problem, you need new plug wires. Go for an OEM set. They are more expensive and harder to find (you will have to order them from someplace like IPD), but they are more reliable.

    The green terminals in the distributor cap sounds like moisture is getting into your cap. That usually means that your current cap is cracked. Replace it with a real deal Bosch cap with brass terminals. Same as the wires, it will probably be 3X more expensive than a cheapo aftermarket knockoff, but it will be more reliable.

    How long has it been since this car has had a thorough tune up ? It could be time.

    Greg






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