It will chug and chug but not actually start

Tiny
DOUGSTOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 GEO METRO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 152,000 MILES
If my car has been setting for a while during rain or high humidity my car will not catch. It will chug and chug but not actually start. A few hours or so later, after the rain has subsided the car will start. It's gotten to the point where I almost have to check the weather forecast before parting so I won't get stranded. Thx.
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 AT 6:52 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like moisture is going into the distributor cap. Probably due to a bad seal or a crack.
This is preventing the engine from getting spark and not starting.
As it dries up the spark is produced, and engine starts.

Inspect the distributor cap, there is a good chance of having corrosion inside the cap due to moisture.
Any time the cap gets replaced; it is recommended to replace the rotor as well.

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Thursday, October 28th, 2021 AT 12:24 PM

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