If it RAINS, this SOB won't start?????

[Vmc]

Hey guys, I have a 2001 Silverado, V6, and whenever it rains, this SOB won't start.

 

I CAN however, crank for about 20 minutes and it will finally start, but not always.

 

I can't figure it out, and DREAD it when it rains......

 

WTF?

 

[Wingnut]

Distributor would be my first guess.

 

But I do smoke a lot of crack, so take that with a grain of salt.

[GM-Tech]

Wingnut must have some good crack because I think he hit the nail on the head on this one.

 

Corrosion in the distributor is a known issue with the V6. There's even a recall on the distributor for this problem. Couldnt' say if the recall applies to your specific vehicle, but if you give me the VIN I can tell you.

 

In any case, replace the cap and rotor and look for two tiny vents with screens in them in the base of the distributor. Take a pick and pop the screens out and leave 'em out. These screens were meant for marine applications and restrict proper venting of the distributor. Moisture builds up, enhanced by the A/C pipe that runs across the top of the cap and drips water onto it, and you eventually end up with these kinds of problems.

[Vmc]

Wingnut must have some good crack because I think he hit the nail on the head on this one. 

 

Corrosion in the distributor is a known issue with the V6.  There's even a recall on the distributor for this problem.  Couldnt' say if the recall applies to your specific vehicle, but if you give me the VIN I can tell you.

 

In any case, replace the cap and rotor and look for two tiny vents with screens in them in the base of the distributor.  Take a pick and pop the screens out and leave 'em out.  These screens were meant for marine applications and restrict proper venting of the distributor.  Moisture builds up, enhanced by the A/C pipe that runs across the top of the cap and drips water onto it, and you eventually end up with these kinds of problems.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

d**n...does this thing even HAVE a distributor?....I'll check it out and get you the VIN number this afternoon...thanks!

 

[GM-Tech]

d**n...does this thing even HAVE a distributor?

 

Yes, it does, though it is sometimes called a HVS (High Voltage Switch).

[Vmc]

Well, it's RAINED all day, so I haven't gone out to muck with it much....I'll get the info tomorrow, and THANKS for all your help........

 

I appreciate what you're doing to help us out..

 

[molsongolden2006]

I have the same problem it sat in the driveway for 4 days in the rain

and then wont start...but i checked my sparkplugs and everyone

of them fire??

 

any suggestions

[Wingnut]

I have the same problem it sat in the driveway for 4 days in the rain

and then wont start...but i checked my sparkplugs and everyone

of them fire??

 

any suggestions

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

What year/make/model/engine?

 

Just a thought, but you might want to start your own thread.

 

Welcome to the board by the way.

[Vmc]

I have the same problem it sat in the driveway for 4 days in the rain

and then wont start...but i checked my sparkplugs and everyone

of them fire??

 

any suggestions

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

I did the same thing and got fire...that's what confused me.....Lead me to think it was a fuel problem rather than ignition.......

[Vmc]

Here's that VIN Number - 2GCEC19W111395435

 

I BET there are a butt-load of recalls for this thing.......Any info will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[GM-Tech]

I BET there are a butt-load of recalls for this thing.......Any info will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

Not a butt load, just two. But one is the one you want, the distributor corrosion recall and the other is for the tailgate straps.

[Vmc]

I BET there are a butt-load of recalls for this thing.......Any info will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

Not a butt load, just two. But one is the one you want, the distributor corrosion recall and the other is for the tailgate straps.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Was there also one for the brakes, or emergency brakes?

 

Oh, and what is the "Fix" for the distributor recall?

 

BTW...

 

THANK YOU.

[GM-Tech]

Was there also one for the brakes, or emergency brakes?

 

Oh, and what is the "Fix" for the distributor recall?

 

We have approximately 500 recalls at any one moment in time it seems. Yours has the two I mentioned, nothing else.

 

The fix for the distributor is to replace the cap and rotor, remove the vent screens I mentioned and insulate the a/c line that runs over the top of the distributor.

[klrjoe]

I am having EXACTLY the same problem with my 2000 silverado, 4.3 v6. Going through distributor caps like no tomorrow. The dealer says there are no recalls remotely close to what I'm dealing with, is there a recall # or TSB I can reference? Any chance of getting the dealer to do the work free of charge?

[GM-Tech]

The recall # is 05500. It does not apply to the 2000 model year. I don't recall seeing this problem on older model V6's, so I don't know if the distributor design is slightly different and therefore would not be the same cause.

 

As for getting GM to take care of it for you... you'd have to speak to your dealer about that. They're the ones that can go to bat for you or flat deny it, in which case you'll get nowhere.

 

This is where it helps to have a good relationship with your local dealer. Though some would say it shouldn't be this way, the fact of the matter is, one hand washes the other. Buy your vehicles there, get your maintenance and repair work there and they're going to want to keep a happy customer. If they've never seen you before, they will most likely have no incentive to help you.