elise damp starting problem

[clivemartin]

Hi

Just got an S1 Elise and the only problem I've had is that it won't start if the engine has got damp. Just absolutely refuses to fire however long I crank it. Last straw was when wife stranded in the rain with it at Gatwick last week and both had to be trailered home. Untold grief ! Anyone got any idea how I can weatherproof ignition so I can drive/park it in the rain ? This is England after all.
Thanks

[greysquirrel]

i had this problem with an S1 and it was the dist. cap. AA sprayed some WD40 in it and tightened it up and not had the problem since. When you have the problem, take the cap off and see if there is condensation in it.
HTH.

[clivemartin]

Thanks but I've tried that plus covering the electrics with a plastic sheet when it rains but it still happens

[S Works]

Clive have you had a search on the SELOC (The Lotus Enthusiasts Club) Lotus forums and asked for advice on there?

http://forums.seloc.org

Or try the Elise specific forum in Gassing here.

[NathanK]

My specialist mentioned the ht leads (and possibly leaking into the distributor) underneath the rear vents on the engine cover. He pops a bit of sealent around the covering to stop it dribbling in.

May not fix your problem now, but may help in the future if yours suffers from damp.