Power loss in the wet

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Dobbs

Dobbs

Active Member
Posts
219
Location
Suffolk
Evening all, an odd problem I've noticed on wet days. After driving through a puddle or lots of surface water, I'm occasionally getting power loss for about 30 seconds afterwards.

The engine sounds 'flat' too.. Hard to describe, but the usual 2.5 nad rumble is replaced by much higher pitched blowing sound.

I thought water might be getting into the air box, but I've since sealed that up along with the dump valve on the bottom too, but I'm still getting the problem.

At a bit of a loss as to what it could be. I can't imagine spray is getting up into the air intake, it's pointed into the corner of the wing behind the sidelight.

Cheers all
Dobbs
 
tis an oil burner, yes. It's the engine noise that gives the problem away more than the power loss. The normal diesel rumble, turns into a much higher pitcher puffing and blowing noise, briefly. Although sounds like it's at the same sort of revs.
 
There isn't much to go wrong with these engines, and they shouldn't be affected by the damp. I'd try hosing it while the engine is idling - avoiding the air intake of course. Maybe a leak in the fuel lines allowing water into the fuel mix?
I'm sure someone sensible will be along in a mo.
 
zeaphod said:
There isn't much to go wrong with these engines, and they shouldn't be affected by the damp. I'd try hosing it while the engine is idling - avoiding the air intake of course. Maybe a leak in the fuel lines allowing water into the fuel mix?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm a bit lost as to what it could be. Also seems to only happen when driving through near side puddles, which is what made me wonder about water in the air intake.
 
Dobbs said:
Yeah, I'm a bit lost as to what it could be. Also seems to only happen when driving through near side puddles, which is what made me wonder about water in the air intake.
Click to expand...

Don't forget the fan will "distribute" any water splashed up into the engine bay. When you say puddles - are we talking about a foot of water, or just the usual inch or two?
 
zeaphod said:
When you say puddles - are we talking about a foot of water, or just the usual inch or two?
Click to expand...

Road puddles of a few inches, tops. I haven't tried wading yet, this problem has kind of put me off until I know everything is sorted.

The air intake 'nozzle' was pointed into the inner wing, behind the sidelight; I can't imagine it'll make much difference, but I've turned it round to point back at the bulk head now. Also going to try and seal round the airbox in case it's sucking splashes in that way, but still can't see how that much water would get through the filter to make the engine run rough. Just grasping at straws really.
 
Dobbs said:
Road puddles of a few inches, tops. I haven't tried wading yet, this problem has kind of put me off until I know everything is sorted.

The air intake 'nozzle' was pointed into the inner wing, behind the sidelight; I can't imagine it'll make much difference, but I've turned it round to point back at the bulk head now. Also going to try and seal round the airbox in case it's sucking splashes in that way, but still can't see how that much water would get through the filter to make the engine run rough. Just grasping at straws really.
Click to expand...

Yes, I'd be surprised if your problem was caused by water splashing near the air intake. Most running problems seem to be caused by the fuel lines. As I said before, I'd try running it whilst spraying it gently with a garden hose. My money's on an air leak around one of the fuel lines.
 
Dobbs said:
Dunno, I did wonder the same, but have seen a few in the same position.
Click to expand...

With the inner mudguard in position, there shouldn't be much spray anywhere near the top of the engine bay during normal driving - more will come in through the gap in the front of the bonnet IMHO. I've had water plumes over the bonnet and windscreen without any effect on the engine - that's driving too fast into a foot or more of water.
 
yeah, thats what I was thinking, hard to imagine water getting in. I'm stumped really, but beginning to wonder if it's a problem with the fuel line instead, as has been suggested. But, I can't see why that would only make itself known when driving through puddles.
 
Have you checked the rubber dump valve in the bottom of the air filter canister? Might be missing or crapped up and allowing water in.
 
Sorry, didn’t read OP properly! Each winter my access road floods so my truck runs through surface water, puddles and then 18” water without missing a beat so its hard to imagine your problem is water in air related. While it only happens in the wet unlikely to be fuel as you’d see fuel leaks before you’d get water in. Wild suggestions, fuel solenoid poor connection and worse when wet? Fan belt slipping when wet giving engine different sound? Spray quickly cooling exhaust and contraction showing a leak (n/s, puffing and blowing)?
 
cassey said:
Spray quickly cooling exhaust and contraction showing a leak (n/s, puffing and blowing)?
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking.. working my way through the list of possible problems with water, something contracting was beginning to be the last resort. I've had a quick look at the exhaust, but not in detail. I'll go and take another look. Cheers
 
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