waterproofing distributor cap

[MOJIGGA]

just wondering if anyone has any ideas on waterproofing the distributor cap?

i was thinkking of putting some silicone around the cap & the collar piece.

whenever i go mudding, or clean the engine bay water gets in the distributor cap.

thoughts?

 

[miesk5]

yo M,

Grab a distr. "boot" from a yard queen Nustang or buy one New;

80's 'stang Info & pic in a 92 5.8


"Dust boot off of an 80's GT Mustang. Should help keep some water out of the distributor during water crossings."

Source: by Jeremy M (Big '92, jermil01)

$24.88 @

http://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-distributor-boot-7993.html

for 87-93 5.0

As Seabronc once wrote here; "You might try dielectric grease. Put in on the edge where the cap and body go together and on each plug boot, (both ends). You don't have to go crazy with it, just enough to seal. On the boots, put some on your little finger and just wipe it around the inside. When putting the boots back on the distributor they may have a tendency to hydraulically push back off especially if you put too much on. Just work them a little and they will stay on. Check them a couple of times to make sure they didn't push off. The seal causes them to trap air which compresses when you put them on."

Also;

Whenever an ignition coil to distributor high tension wiring is removed for any reason from a spark plug or distributor cap, or a new ignition coil to distributor high tension wiring is installed, Silicone Dielectric Compound (WA-10) D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A must be applied to boot before it is reconnected.

Using a small clean tool, coat entire interior surface of boot with Silicone Dielectric Compound (WA-10) D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A.

Ignition Coil;  Wipe coil tower with a clean cloth dampened with soap and water. Remove any soap film and dry with compressed air. Inspect for cracks, carbon tracking and dirt. 

I'd cover electrical connectors (ESP the EEC), Throttle Body, etc. w/saran wrap or suitable material; connector pin/terminal corrosion will drive you nuts .Remove saran wrap after drying area.

Waterproofing by Dean B at can4x4.com via web.archive

http://web.archive.org/web/20051130232607/http://www.can4x4.com/articles/ore01.html

excerpt, "The distributor can also become wet. If it does, simply remove the cap and spray WD-40 inside, which will disperse the water and evaporate quickly. Re-attach the cap and start"

 

[miesk5]

yo,

Also and for Posterity;

Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound
**** Inside of Distributor Cap Surface; Suppresses voltage leaks by coating inner distributor cap surface. Part Number XG-3-A 3 oz.; or use spec ESE-M1C171-A; Also provides high voltage seal to secondary ignition wires.
http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/Main/product.asp?product=Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound&category=Greases
or = brand at any parts store.
Source:https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/product.asp?product=Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound&category=Greases

Apply small amounts of grease to inside of boots on both spark plug & distributor cap ends. Silicone dielectric grease will prevent corona & arcing. Be sure you have made a good connection in the distributor cap and coil. recheck these connections periodically. If terminals in distributor cap are gray-green, or appear corroded you may have a poor connection. Poor connections at either the distributor or spark plug ends will cause arcing.

=========

Silicone Spray Lubricant

 

​

Lubricates window channels and rubber hood strips

​

Helps prevent battery terminal corrosion

​

High silicone content

​

Lubricates and helps prolong the life of rubber parts

 ​

 
Motorcraft® Part Number  XL-6

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/product.asp?product=Silicone Spray Lubricant&category=Greases

====

Electrical Grease

Lubricates and protects electrical connectors

Provides a non-corrosive film for electrical switches and contacts

Protects connector metals from oxidation and corrosion Motorcraft® Part Number  XG-12

https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/product.asp?product=Electrical Grease&category=Greases

 

[MOJIGGA]

Thanks Miesk,

i think i will do both, put that boot over it, and put a gaskey around the seal.

if i do put a seal around it with the grease, i assume that it doesn't have to be able to breathe at all.

 

[Rons beast]

Hey Moj,

The dizzy does have to breathe.  If it would be sealed to well and some fumes get trapped the sparks can cause an explosion.

Most caps have a vent built in for this purpose.

If it were me I would spray it with WD40, ( while the engine is off. ..That stuff is flameable)

I would rather dry it off after a muddin, or cleaning session, rather than risk the combustion option.

just my opinion....

Good Luck

 

[miesk5]

yo,

As RON advised,

96 Bronco Motorcraft Distributor Cap (DH-411- B) . It has a vent on top; Ford used to describe it, but I can not find the document; & I never bothered to check it to see if the vent is plugged or actually "venting"



Section 03-07A: Ignition, Distributor
1996 F-Series and Bronco with Gasoline Engines Workshop Manual
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
Distributor Cap

1. Wash both inside and outside surfaces of the distributor cap (12106) with soap and water.
   

1. Dry distributor cap with compressed air.
   

1. Inspect distributor cap for cracks, broken carbon button or carbon tracks.
   

1. inspect distributor cap terminals for dirt and corrosion.
   

1. Replace the distributor cap if it is damaged.
   
2. 
   

Inspect distributor base gasket (12143) O-ring. It should fit tightly and be free of cuts. Drive gear should be free of nicks, cracks and excessive wear.

Rotate distributor driveshaft. It should move freely without binding.

Wash distributor rotor (12200) with soap and water.

Dry with compressed air.

Inspect and replace distributor rotor if cracks, carbon tracks, burns or damage to blade or spring are observed.

Ignition Coil Wipe coil tower with a clean cloth dampened with soap and water.Remove any soap film and dry with compressed air.

Inspect for cracks, carbon tracking and dirt.

Ignition Control ModuleRemoval

Remove two screws retaining ignition control module (ICM) (12A297) heat sink assembly to left fender apron.

Disconnect harness connector from ignition control module.

Remove two screws retaining ignition control module to heat sink and remove ignition control module.

Installation

Coat ignition control module baseplate with silicone compound, approximately 0.0179mm (1/32-inch) thick. Use Silicone Dielectric Compound (WA-10) D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A.

Position ignition control module onto heat sink and tighten two retaining screws to 1.2-1.8 Nm (11-16 lb-in).

Install ignition control module heat sink assembly on left fender apron using two retaining screws, and tighten to 9-14 Nm (80-124 lb-in).

Connect wiring to ignition control module

 

[Rons beast]

Hey M5 and Moj......FYI, It does vent. The black cap is just a hat to keep dirt out.