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Distributor cap?

Tiny
LIN DIXON
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,000 MILES
I took my truck to a mechanic because it wouldn't start. He told me that there was moisture in the distributor cap. He cleaned it all up and it started fine. He told me that it is a design flaw on Chevrolet's part because where the cap is located. He told me there is no way to prevent it from happening. It was been raining for the last week and even though the truck is parked in the carport apparently the cap is wet again because it won't start. It seems bizarre that I've owned this truck for 13 years and now suddenly it won't stay dry. I'm afraid that the mechanic is just screwing me around. I need help
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Tuesday, May 28th, 2019 AT 11:01 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I would replace the cap and rotor and get a can of clear spray paint. Replace the cap and when you are done, spray the paint all over the cap and it will seal it from water getting into the cap. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed. Roy
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Tuesday, May 28th, 2019 AT 1:10 PM
Tiny
HEADSHAKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Chevy, Silverado, 2002, 57,000miles, 4.3 v-6. It's my son-in-laws P.U. The truck 'occasionally' gets moisture built up in the distributor cap. More so on high humidity days. Rain, etc. Causes misfires and turns over but no start and run. Dealer recalled and completed removing distributor screens, but still gets moisture build up. No moisture anywhere on outside of distributor. We live in N.E. Ohio. Any best ideas. Son-in-law is a auto mechanic, but it has him stumped. He's talked w/ dealers, but no solution on how to stop the moisture. Distributor cap replaced several times. Problem still exists.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
Hey HEADSHAKE,

It sounds like you have a steam issue that can be caused by a coolant leak at the rear of the intake manifold I would use a flashlight and inspect the rear of the engine, here is a guide that can help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Please go over this guide and report back.

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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SIRMOIU
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,800 MILES
I am having a problem with carbon buildup on the inside of my chevy distributor cap. Every couple of months I have to change both distributor and rotor caps, I would like to know what causes this and how can I remedy the problem.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Check to make sure the seal is good in t he distributor and the cap. Next might be time for new plugs and wires and rotor. Could be arcing too much causing build up
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DIANE11400
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
My truck first was acting like water was in the fuel-i put it in the shop they said it was the distributor cap and rotor button- this was 4 days ago -now the truck will run good for about 20 minutes then it will just quit going down the road-my fuel pump is coming on -i checked it out-- help please
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RUFFRYDERRD90
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
From the sound of it, it sounds like your fuel pump might be weak and starting to go out, if the truck has a rough start up or a rough idle then thats what my guess would be! Silverados are known for problems with their fuel pumps.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,542 POSTS
  • 2000 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 300,000 MILES
Truck runs great when it want but at times it cannot be started, checked coils, put new sensors, new distributor cap, new shaft. What would cause it to not start?
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure first. Also if yours is the original fuel pump they had a problem with the harness going to pump beingbad and not making contact. A new pump should have the harness as well the correct pump.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ANTON MOORE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 226,000 MILES
Truck stopped on me the first thing I checked was to see if is getting any fire on #1 plug. There was no fire I removed ignition module had it checked at auto zone and it failed. Purchased a new one replaced it making sure to put compound under it tried to start it and it would not start. I replaced distributor cap and rotor and the truck started having a problem. It now it is misfiring like the firing order is incorrect. I have checked firing order it is correct. The plug wires are less than three months old. I am stuck as to what it is problem. It acts like the timing is off. Any ideas?
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
The distributor would not be out of time by replacing distributor cap. It is either on wrong or a bad wire/cracked or firing order incorrect. All Chevrolet V8's from that year fire the same. See picture.
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TINA2011
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1982 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Popping from carburetor, reset timing
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:40 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
With the engine at top dead center, the rotor should face forward with number 1 spark plug wire directly above it.

Why did you have the distributor out?

Roy
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Saturday, August 15th, 2020 AT 12:40 PM (Merged)

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