Van won't start in wet weather

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Van won't start in wet weather

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Chevrolet Forums >> Chevy Trucks, Vans & SUV's >> Astro >> Van won't start in wet weather

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Van won't start in wet weather - 9/22/2007 12:39:43 PM

abates2k

Posts: 2
Joined: 9/22/2007
Status: offline

I have a 1999 Astro Van and nearly everytime it rains or sometimes when I wash it, it will not start. I've change the distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs and cables and even the fuel pump with no success. I have no issues at all in dry weather. Any ideas?

Post #: 1

RE: Van won't start in wet weather - 9/30/2007 7:51:33 PM

rmczyk

Posts: 9
Joined: 9/30/2007
Status: offline

New to the forum. I have a 99 as well wit the same issue. Really getting me mad too. Stalling on the highway twice really has me to the point of buying Japanese. Sorry, but I have tried everything. I even used marine rtv all over the distributor and wire connections. Also sprayed coil (Had to change twice in 6 months)with inslator spray. Summer has been very dry here so time will tell. For the record my dad had a 97 and finally gave up trying to correct same issue. Too much time, frustration and money. Hope someone has a solution and post it, soon. I really like my ASTRO for everything from carrying family, boat, trailer, etc. but if it is not resolved its going before someone gets hurt.
Yes I have had it at the mechanics (friends) and they have not resolved the issue either. Taht was the second coil that they found, I found the first bad one.

(in reply to abates2k)

Post #: 2

RE: Van won't start in wet weather - 11/1/2007 7:21:27 PM

rmczyk

Posts: 9
Joined: 9/30/2007
Status: offline

I'm pretty sure I fix the issue. I used Mairne RTV Silicone 5200 and ran it around the distributor cap to housing. This is not sealed and water can get in! I also placed rtv on the connections for the Coil. One last thing I did was to spray polyurethane on the coil. I believe the issue really is moisture getting into distributor. I went through torrential rains which had me at the edge of my seat for 2 hours and all was well. Even cold damp days it starts right up without stuttering. Interesting, I forgot about that happening on cool to cold mornings before :)

(in reply to rmczyk)

Post #: 3

RE: Van won't start in wet weather - 12/25/2007 11:54:34 AM

dechev

Posts: 1
Joined: 12/25/2007
Status: offline

I had this exact problem with my 98 Astro Van, for a number of years. When it was very damp outside (lots of dew or condensation) the Van wouldn't start. When it was dry, it would start well. --> Eventually I found the problem. The ignition coil was defective, i.e. it had a crack in the coil case. When it was damp out, the coil case would become wet, and the electricity would short (arc) to the coil frame. Hence, no electricity would flow into the distributor, or plugs, etc... When it is dry, it is harder for it to short to ground, so the cracked coil will work (somewhat). To check for this, try the following when it won't start. Lift your engine cover off and locate the coil. Make sure the wire (coil to the distributor) is firmly connected at both ends. Turn the key and watch the coil. If you see blue-white electrical arcing, you have a bad coil. I changed mine over a year ago, I have never had this problem since. Note: For this specific problem, change your coil before you spend money on plugs, wires, etc...

(in reply to abates2k)

Post #: 4

RE: Van won't start in wet weather - 12/28/2007 1:56:57 PM

crabjoe

Posts: 1
Joined: 12/28/2007
Status: offline

Got the same problem on a 2000 Astro van. We're trying to replace the coil, but can't get the old one out.

How do get the old coil out? We removed 2 bolts that look to be holding the brack onto the block, but the bracket won't budge! Are there other bolts that we're missing? What's the trick???

Thanks.

(in reply to dechev)

Post #: 5

RE: Van won't start in wet weather - 12/30/2007 11:09:39 AM

janemcvideo

Posts: 1
Joined: 12/30/2007
Status: offline

We are having the exact same problem with 98 Chevy Astro - Have purchased a new Ignition Coil and now cannot get the old coil out - 2 bolts are out but bracket won't budge. Did you ever find the trick to getting it out?
Thanks

(in reply to crabjoe)

Post #: 6

RE: Van won't start in wet weather - 1/7/2008 7:45:08 PM

abates2k

Posts: 2
Joined: 9/22/2007
Status: offline

Ignition coil solved the problem. There are 3 nuts holding the coil mount down, 1 towards the rear and 2 toward the front, one on top of the other. The first nut holds the throttle cable bracket; the second holds the actual coil bracket. You will need a drill out 2 rivets to remove the original coil and the new one will come with the appropriate hardware to install. It took less than 1 hour to replace.

(in reply to janemcvideo)

Post #: 7