I have 1983 Volvo 245 that for some reason the distributor cap terminals turn green when it rains or is damp out and then the car won't start I was wondering if anyone could help

Do you have the white Chrysler cap or the reddish-brown colored Bosch? My 83 (Calif-spec) has the Chrysler. 34 years on the original cap/rotor and still runs fine. (Now watch what happens...).

I bought a replacement cap and rotor set a few years ago but they were definitely not the OE quality so I did not install, and am keeping them as backup only.

I replaced the plug wires 8 years ago with Bougicord, which I believe is the OEM supplier. The original wires were scuffed where they had been rubbing on the cam cover and looked dodgy where they join the spark plug boots. I got a few more wire separators and stand-offs from the junkyard and made sure the replacements are secured, can't flex much, and are spaced away from metal surfaces.
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Bob: Son's XC70, my 83 244DL, 89 745 (Chev LT-1 V8), 98 S90 (recently sold) and 2010 XC60. Also '77 MGB and four old motorcycles

not directly relevant but every Bosch cap and rotor I have used has lasted and other brands on other vehicles have often worn out quickly. I would make sure I have a Bosch if possible.

I concur!

Hi,


I would also say bad wires.. Are you using Volvo wires or cheapo wires?


Goatman

I'm using bosch wires

A good wipe around of the sockets and the inside of the boots with silicone grease will help keep the damp out. You can also use a very light rub down of the inside of the cap with the grease to minimise tracking. This is the job that WD-40 is designed for. Spray the leads and the cap when you have the problem. Wiping the leads with it using a rag is less messy but spray for quick results.
Watch the leads for sparking when parked up in the dark. Can be most enlightening (sic).

I concur. Find a very dark place and with the engine idling open the hood and look for arcing in your wires. Yes, it is enlightening and entertaining too..:)

Also clean the inside of your cap as instructed. BTW - What do your cap and rotor look like on the inside? Is there a lot of wear, scoring and burn marks? What about cracks or other damage in the rotor?

Is your distributor cap Bosch? OEM cap and rotor are Bosch and the wires are Bougicord. If your Bosch wires are old that might be the source of your problem. I recommend Bougicord. They last a very long time.

Hi,


I would also say bad wires.. Are you using Volvo wires or cheapo wires?


Goatman

The most likely cause of hard starting in wet weather is bad plug wires. When it is dry and the car starts, try spraying the wires with silicon oil. If the helps or solves the problem, you need new plug wires. Go for an OEM set. They are more expensive and harder to find (you will have to order them from someplace like IPD), but they are more reliable.

The green terminals in the distributor cap sounds like moisture is getting into your cap. That usually means that your current cap is cracked. Replace it with a real deal Bosch cap with brass terminals. Same as the wires, it will probably be 3X more expensive than a cheapo aftermarket knockoff, but it will be more reliable.

How long has it been since this car has had a thorough tune up ? It could be time.

Greg

Thanks

I'm on like the third or fourth cap buy now so I don't think it's cracked