PLEASE HELP: BRAVO POWER LOSS

[Alex]

As the title suggests I have a power loss on my bravo. It just doesnt accelerate anywhere near as quickly and smoothly as normal. It also seems to hang around 4000rpm.

Its a 1998 1.6.

Ive had this problem before, and I've noticed it loses its power after its been raining heavily, after ive washed it rather enthusiastically, and after ive been driving through big puddles. This would lead me to belive that something is getting wet... but what? Surely these things can handle a little bit of water?

Any suggestions please? Is there something electronic I can wrap in bubble wrap?!

Please help...

Thanks

Alex

 

[Dug]

HT leads

My guess is it's your HT leads.

As these age, the insulation degrades, and you can lose the spark to atmosphere. This is particularly noticeable in damp weather.

To see if this is the case, spray them with WD-40 (and spray the ignition module etc for good measure). This normally works pretty well. If your car is 4 years old, it's possible you need new leads, but WD-40 can put this off for a bit.

 

[alex]

Re: HT leads

the HT leads look ok, but ill give them a spray now...good idea...good old wd40!...

i noticed that the leads were very hot to the touch (engine at normal temp.) is this normal?

thanks

alex

 

[Dug]

leads

I think it must be your leads. If they're conducting heat, they're probably conducting the spark to atmosphere as well.

You can't tell by looking if the insulation is OK: the material degrades, but not necessarily visually.

 

[Si]

HT leads?

Sounds weird, but i've noticed the same thing happening on my HGT over the last 2 days. i.e. since it's been raining.

Cheers for the advice i'll get the WD40 out tonight and my demon tweeks book at the ready for some new leads just in case.

Anyone had good/bad experiences with lead manufacturers? Think i'll go for Splitfire if i think they need changing.

 

[Dug]

HT leads

I've heard that better (i.e. more conductive) leads can make a difference to performance, but I've got no evidence. I normally just go for a well-recognised make, such as Bosch.