Date:         Wed, 7 Nov 2007 11:04:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
Subject:      Power Loss When Wet Problem SOLVED!
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A couple of weeks ago I asked for some suggestions as to what to do
about a problem I was having when my 87 Westy's engine was damp
(after or even during a rain storm). The solution I was using at the
time was to turn off the ignition and turn it back on...however after
doing it three or four times in the first five minutes of driving
gets a bit old.

I received many suggestions, most of which centered around various
connectors and terminals being dirty, etc. Before I started to pull
apart connectors, etc., I thought I'd roll the dice and try an
inexpensive option. For $2.00 I bought a can of Gunk Wire Dryer. The
product claims to dry wires and to leave a coating (petroleum based)
on the wires. So I sprayed all the connectors in the engine
compartment, the plug wires, and inside and outside of the
distributor cap a couple of days ago.

Last night it rained, and this morning the van was wet from the rain.
This was the usual condition that I experienced the power loss. So I
took the Westy for a drive and tried to "trigger" the power loss
(full throttle conditions....low speed conditions), and nothing
happened...no power loss! So perhaps, the problem is solved? I'll
keep an eye on things.


Ric