My spark plugs went for a swim....

[James614]

After driving in a hard rain storm the other day, I come out to start my car the next morning and......... WTF? My runs-like-new Touring Wagon turns over all day without any signs of combustion.

Okay.... so I figure I should start by checking for fuel & spark. Old man experience passed down from my father says to start with the spark whenever it is/was raining (just as well, I don't have any useful for checking the fuel system anyhow). I go for the plugs. Pull the first wire and.... WTF?! It's SOAKED under the connector! And the plug is sitting in a puddle! I pull the other wires and sure enough, all 4 plugs are under water in their holes. And it was muddy. I guess it's healthy for your ignition system to find a way to cool off in the summer heat....

I got new plugs & wires and the cars runs super again.

But ummm..... yeah. I don't exactly play Superhero Rally Driver in my Touring Wagon (anymore). Has anyone else seen this happen on these cars? I've never heard of it before

[86ruguy]

not hard to have it happen if you hit any puddles on the street. also, you said it's a T/W, do you have an open hood scoop?

just my $.02 Q

[James614]

Smallish puddles. (barely up to the bottom of the bumper). My old L sedan was the one that got all the fun in that department, I've had it in one up to the headlights that I hit at 60mph (and sunk down into, then drove out of), with zero wetness issues. So I highly doubt puddles were the issue. But it's possible, I guess.....

What do you mean by open hood scoop? I still have the tray that directs air to the turbo chimney, if that's what you mean, so I guess it's not open.

[ericem]

That is a sure sign you needed new spark plug wires. Should not experience that issue with new ones. Did you blow out the water and degree with compressed air? And try to clean it as best you could so the new wires seal good and the same problem does not occur?