Would appreciate help with an arc/spark near my distributor cap

Discussion in 'Questions/Comments' started by Dyner68, Dec 14, 2020.

  1. Dyner68

    Dyner68 Hydrodyner

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2007
    Messages:
    51
    Location:
    Bloomington, MN
    Boat Model and Year:
    68 Hydrodyne/Ford 302 Interceptor/ Volvo 200 I/O
    Hi All,

    Not a lot going on with this site, so how about a little advice from the i/o engine experts with an annoying distributor cap issue that has haunted me for a couple of summers? I have an original Ford 302 Interceptor on my classic 68 dyne. After replacing my plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, I'm getting a big arc/spark between one of my spark plug boots where it connects to the cap and the metal clip that holds my distributor cap in place. This ark/spark is robbing me of power and I have to tape extra insulation material in this area to run my boat. I have added dielectric grease inside the boot, but it continues. I've ruled out a cracked cap and my mechanic has limited time for annoying issues like this. He replaced that cap, but it continues. Could this be an issue with my spark plug itself? Does anyone know an engine mechanic in MN or WI that would be willing to look at this for me? I'm not a mechanic, but can try new ideas this coming Spring. Thanks!

    Dyner89 (Dave)
     
  2. jim

    jim Hydrodyne 18 Specialist

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2006
    Messages:
    2,321
    Location:
    FL
    Boat Model and Year:
    77 Dyne 18 I/O converted to Outboard
    defective cap or wire.
     
  3. jim

    jim Hydrodyne 18 Specialist

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2006
    Messages:
    2,321
    Location:
    FL
    Boat Model and Year:
    77 Dyne 18 I/O converted to Outboard
    There is one more possibility if someone has replaced the primary lead to you distributer with one that does not have the proper resistance wire. This would send too much voltage to the primary and cause excess voltage in the secondary and probably would cause arcing. Does the coil over heat?
     
  4. Dyna-Kid

    Dyna-Kid Boat of the Month

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2007
    Messages:
    203
    Location:
    Lake Metigoshe, ND
    Boat Model and Year:
    74 18 Hydrodyne 150 / 06 17.6 Dyna-Ski 150 Merc FS
    Ski Team:
    Club de Skinautique
    Being on the other end of the 'technical spectrum', you could try putting some electrical tape around each of the spark plug boots both where they connect to the distributer cap and also where the plug boots connect to the wire (if they aren't one piece). I would also cover the metal cap clip with electrical tape (I know you said you've already added some insulation so you may have already done this).

    This would be more of a temporary "on the dock" fix but it might help you isolate the faulty wire? You might as well try putting some electrical tape on the lead wire going into the distributor cap?

    I'm not a mechanic but you could try this without damaging anything.

    Good luck.
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2020

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