How to tell where the current breaks...

[ales]

Hi, guys.

I have a friend who drives a '80 Civic and the car stalls on her (or rather doesn't start after driving) in rain/humid conditions. She has had a lot of problems with the car, and I really want to help her (she has helped me out so many times before...)

Anyway, I'm guessing it has to do with electrics (power coming to the spark plugs). The car would turn over just fine, but it just won't start. How do I tell the problem part? How do I tell if the power reaches the distributor or dies before that? I really don't want to get shocked or anything. And I have no special tools either

As always, all help will be very appreciated.

TIA

[Polygon]

Here are a few things to have checked.

1. Starter.
2. Distributor.
3. Plugs.
4. Cords.
5. Battery.

It could be the electical system, but there are many other things it could be.

[ales]

I don't think it's the starter or the battery - when it's dry the car starts just fine (even in the cold), but in he rain the stupid thing cranks over, but doesn't "bite". Basically I need to know whether the problem occurs before the distributor, in the distributor, or after the distributor, but quite frankly I do not know how...

[primera man]

Have a real good look at the leads to see if there is cracks etc where water may be getting in and maybe causing a short.

It sounds like you may be getting water into the distributor through the grill maybe.

When the car is wet check the inside of the cap for wetness and see if water is entering it. Pull the leads out of the cap and make sure they are clean and have no corrosion inside.