I have a 1987 GL Turbo wagon, 2wd. Last weekend I degreased the engine, and was careful to cover the distributor cap (or so I thought). It ran fine for awhile, until later as I was driving the car just crapped out. I couldn't get it started again. So, I checked the distributor cap, and there was a little condensation under it. I replaced both the cap and the rotor. But that didn't change anything.

It occasionally will start up now, if I feather the gas just right (and even then, it won't be much more than 500 - 1000 rpm), but I can't keep it running. It's getting gas, I can smell it. But when it does run, the tachometer is all over the place, and when I test the spark, it seems to be sparking intermittently.

Here's my thoughts:

1. Maybe the electronics in the distributor are bad (because of condensation??). I went on my lunch break today to PAP and picked up a disty out of another 87 turbo. I'll replace it and see if that changes anything. Also, I had a spare ignition coil, but that didn't change anything so I know that's not it.

2. Maybe it's the MAF? How do I check that? Those are pretty pricey, and the bone-yard didn't have one in good shape. Does anyone have one for sale?

3. Maybe I should disconnect the O2 sensor? But would that cause the problem?

Any help, or advice on what to check would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Is the check engine light on/what codes does it throw?

 

Did you verify that you got the wires hooked back up correctly on the distributer? Are the wires secure on the plugs?

 

1, 3, 2, 4 is the order,

 

front

2 1

4 3

back

 

I'd check those before you start throwing disty's and such at it.

 

Suppose you could also take the cap off for a while and let it dry out in there.