[DML] re: rain?

["Dave Swingle" <dswingle@xxxx>]

Two things can cause this - Yes, water gets all over the engine when it
rains, so the spark plug wires in particular and other wiring in general
must be in perfect condition to inhibit this. Check the bulkhead connectors
under the large black cover at the right rear (front?) of the engine
compartment. The coil is also in there as well and is vulnerable to getting
wet.

The fuel pump has a waterproof (sort of) cover over it, that deteriorates
with time and becomes less waterproof. In addition, there should be two tiny
hose clamps, not tie wraps, (not factory, but added) holding the cover to
the fuel lines. These are often missing. Rain from the windshield is
directed through a drain hole to fall exactly on the cover, so if it is not
in perfect shape water gets into the fuel pump area and sits on top of the
electrical connections. Once wet, it is very hard for it to dry out.
Eventually the connections will rust away.

To get to the fuel pump, remove the spare tire and remove the access panel
beneath it.

Two things to do here - make sure the seal is in perfect shape and replace
it if not, and I believe there is a solution that directs the water away
from the fuel pump in either the archives or the DOA magazine from a few
years back. While your at it also check the drain hole for leaves. You
cannot see th hole without removing the gas tank, but you can feel for it
just above the fuel pump behind the part of the floor the access panel
attaches to.

==============================
ref:
I told my mechanic of the problem, but he said it drove fine for him (most
likely dried out and was OK?) I suspected the problem was water
sloshing around in the engine compartment (because sheets of water
slid forward when I braked).
Is there really water being channelled to dump on top of the fuel
pump? (as Mike said) Where do I look for the solution to this problem
and is it worth fixing (is it an expensive repair considering I
never intentionally drive my car in the rain)?


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