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Question: 3 cylinders fail when rainy

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KiteRunner, Miami, FL, January 16, 2010, 06:23
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Hi folks, I live in Uruguay, and bought a used PRevia with 150K very good conditions two months ago.
The last week I was splashed by a truck in a heavy rainy day, then it start to run only 3 cylinders.
I realize that the electric distridutor is too low and some exposed.
I read in several forums and reviews that Previa is a high reliable VAN.
Do you have some comments or suggestions to avoid that failure?

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, January 17, 2010, 17:44
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     Master

    If the failure only happens when it rains it is likely to be ignition related. Remove and inspect the distributor cap. You probably have a bad plug wire or distributor cap/rotor. I have seen the oil seal in the distributor fail allowing oil to enter the the distributor in which case the distributor should be replaced. The plugs are difficult to replace but should be checked/replaced. The spark plugs are down a well, the valve cover has oil seal to prevent oil leaking down into the spark plug area. Most people don't bother to check the valve clearance as part of regular service but if the engine has over 100,000 miles it may be a good idea to check it.
    A quick way to check the spark plug wires and distributor cap insulation is to get a hand pump spray bottle with the engine running spray the ignition system and if the engine starts to run rough as you spray mist water over the ignition components that component is bad.

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    KiteRunner, January 18, 2010, 02:45
     Rookie

    Thank you AutoTechPat !!!
    When it started to failed I realize that It was a wet plug... Then I tried to warm up accelerating, then stoped the car, identified that there was a wet cable in the distribuitor, I unpluged it and I waited until it get dried. Then I started again and the problem were off.
    I took note of your valuable advice for next mantainance. Thanks!!!

    Do you think I should have to replace the plug that failed?

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