87 GL Turbo won't run!

[struculeus]

I have a 1987 GL Turbo wagon, 2wd. Last weekend I degreased the engine, and was careful to cover the distributor cap (or so I thought). It ran fine for awhile, until later as I was driving the car just crapped out. I couldn't get it started again. So, I checked the distributor cap, and there was a little condensation under it. I replaced both the cap and the rotor. But that didn't change anything.

It occasionally will start up now, if I feather the gas just right (and even then, it won't be much more than 500 - 1000 rpm), but I can't keep it running. It's getting gas, I can smell it. But when it does run, the tachometer is all over the place, and when I test the spark, it seems to be sparking intermittently.

Here's my thoughts:

1. Maybe the electronics in the distributor are bad (because of condensation??). I went on my lunch break today to PAP and picked up a disty out of another 87 turbo. I'll replace it and see if that changes anything. Also, I had a spare ignition coil, but that didn't change anything so I know that's not it.

2. Maybe it's the MAF? How do I check that? Those are pretty pricey, and the bone-yard didn't have one in good shape. Does anyone have one for sale?

3. Maybe I should disconnect the O2 sensor? But would that cause the problem?

Any help, or advice on what to check would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[hooziewhatsit]

Is the check engine light on/what codes does it throw?

 

Did you verify that you got the wires hooked back up correctly on the distributer? Are the wires secure on the plugs?

 

1, 3, 2, 4 is the order,

 

front

2 1

4 3

back

 

I'd check those before you start throwing disty's and such at it.

 

Suppose you could also take the cap off for a while and let it dry out in there.