Author Topic: Car won't start in humid weather  (Read 2561 times)

sgp

  • Guest
Car won't start in humid weather
« on: May 30, 2018, 03:17:48 »
Hello!

I've had my 67 250sl for a little under a year. The car seems to run fine in colder weather. However come the summer months and the car has issues turning on and stalls often. Any recommendations on what I can do?

Cheers,

Seb

Tyler S

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Encinitas
  • Posts: 1613
Re: Car won't start in humid weather
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2018, 14:11:58 »
Drivability issues related to humidity are most often related to ignition components. Moisture can condense inside the distributer cap or a failing coil wire will arch under high humidity.
You can try to pinpoint the issue using a spray bottle filled with water. Run the engine at about 2000 rpm and lightly spray all the ignition components and look/listen for arching.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

sgp

  • Guest
Re: Car won't start in humid weather
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2018, 16:58:25 »
Thank you

Benz Dr.

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7220
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Car won't start in humid weather
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2018, 17:30:13 »
Humidity may be the smaller problem in this case. I think you may be dealing with an ambient temperature issue such as a plugged or partially blocked fuel return line. Blow some compressed air through your return line and listen for bubbling in the fuel tank. Remove the fuel cap on your tank and place a rag around your air wand before blowing into the return line. If it is plugged, fuel will blow back into your face without a rag to protect you.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Pawel66

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Poland, Mazowieckie, Konstancin-Jeziorna
  • Posts: 5492
Re: Car won't start in humid weather
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2018, 22:01:20 »
If the return line test suggests the line is clear, I have some experience with moisture with M103 engine, but perhaps applicable here as well:

1. What is the condition of the ignition wires and their connectors? If poor, insulation cracking a bit, etc., just replace them. Start the car in the garage at night, switch off the light, just have some light at hand. Check if you can see blue sparks around ignittion system components. Replace what is necessary.

2. What is the condiditon  of the ignition distriutor cap and rotor? If you look under the cap and you see greenish residue or other type of dirt inside next to connectors - you can clean it, but you may as well replace the cap if it looks old. I have once replaced my M103 cap with a Beru one. I fought with car stalling for a year. Then I bought a Bosch cap from Mercedes and the war was over, I won. I started buying caps from Mercedes only. Sometimes you may see thin cracks on distributor cap - thinner than a hair. if they are there, replace the cap.

3. Check/clean the points with a piece of fine sand paper.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class