Distributor Cap Needs Frequent Replacement

[isaacs]

Ever since my boat was new it has had problems with the distributor cap. It will start to run poorly and when I remove the cap it's always kind of greasy inside and there are blue/green boogers growing from the rotor and metal contact points. I usually wind up replacing the cap every other year or so. I can also get it to run properly by wiping it out with some WD-40 and knocking the boogers off with a pen knife when I'm in a pinch.

Obviously I've learned to live with this inconvenience over the years but I'm curious--has anyone else had this problem? Other than this, the boat runs like new.

 

[achris]

And the engine is.... (Put model, year and serial number here please)

 

[isaacs]

See my signature.

 

[achris]

See my signature.

damn phones!

 

[Lou C]

Does the design of the engine cover allow water to drip down around the back of the engine? If so try to channel water away from the distributor. I change mine every year due to salt water moorage & salt air....

 

[kenny nunez]

If your boat engine is located as Lou described then try making a cover from some sheet metal that protrudes past the gap using the flame arrestor stud to secure it.

 

[isaacs]

If your boat engine is located as Lou described then try making a cover from some sheet metal that protrudes past the gap using the flame arrestor stud to secure it.

Yes, it is possible that water could be dripping around the cushion--this is a good idea. Also, I now use a better cover on my boat--no more rain water!

Still wondering about the oily residue in there though. Do you suppose it just naturally leaks past the seal? What stops pressure from building up in the crank case?

 

[kenny nunez]

The distributor body that is in the engine has holes in it to keep the shaft bushings lubricated. It must be crankcase vapors coming up through the housing. Are all the crankcase vent hoses between the valve covers and flame arrestor in place?

 

[isaacs]

The distributor body that is in the engine has holes in it to keep the shaft bushings lubricated. It must be crankcase vapors coming up through the housing. Are all the crankcase vent hoses between the valve covers and flame arrestor in place?

Pretty sure all hoses are in place. Like I said, this has been happening since the boat was new. But I'll check them next time I'm out on the boat.