Water trouble

[jonathan-m]

We're finally getting some rain down here in FL, and with that comes all sorts of various water problems with my '66. Most of them are simply water leaks, which I can fix as I find, but yesterday I started having problems with my engine during a storm.
The road I live on tends to accumulate some standing water during storms, not a lot, but enough. I always go very slowly through these areas for the obvious reasons, and to minimize the splashing, but I've noticed that whenever I go through a little bit of water (its really probably no more than an inch or two ) The power steering and the power brakes go out, and I'm left controlling it manually (hence why I avoid the rain like the plague haha). Yesterday I had to drive through water like this again, and when I was about 20 feet from my house, power steering/brakes went out, and then the entire engine cut out. Lights and wipers still worked, but I couldn't get it to turn over. finally after about 5 minutes it fired back up, although it was running like hell, and I crawled it up into the driveway.
I've been scratching my head over how to begin fixing this one for a long time, but I don't know what exactly it is that causes this in the first place.

Can anyone give me a heads up on what's causing that?

Jon

[joe231]

you have vacuum assisted brakes?
that is an odd one...power steering belt slipping when it gets wet?

[jonathan-m]

I really don't know much about the brake or steering system. the PO installed both the disk front brakes and the power steering, and so far I haven't had to bother with either one besides changing brake pads....

[jonathan-m]

Any Ideas?

[protrash64]

This is a shot in the dark, but usually this type of thing reminds me of my 69 Chevelle. You didnt say what type of engine, but it sounds like an ignition problem. Is it possible that the engine is stumbling and you lose power to your accessories? I would check out the plugs, wires and distributor cap for cracks or deterioration of any sort. Ive also heard of spraying WD40 in the dist cap as a water repellent. Have you looked under the hood after this happens to your truck????? What is wet? What is not wet?

[jonathan-m]

Thanks! The engine is a 350 SB. I appreciate the suggestion, Its just what I needed. I honestly had no idea what I needed to be looking at to start trouble shooting this problem. .

[protrash64]

I had a similar issue back in ancient history, and the symptoms you describe are the same. Just thoroughly check out your ignition system and Im guessing the problem will go away. You may also want to check out your coil and points if its got the old type ignition system.