98 Tropical - Chevy 454 has issues in the rain

[luv2rid]

I have a 98 Tropical with the Chevy 454 engine. When driving in the rain, teh engine begins cutting out and the check engine light comes on. Once the roads dry up, the engine runs fine.

I realize this is an issue with the motor, not the actual motorhome itself, but before I start looking at possible issues, I was wondering if anyone has had this problem with their chevy set up before.

Obviously it is something that is getting wet, like the coils.

Thanks

[speed racer]

In most cases water is getting into the air intake. On my 05 I had to put a seal around the hood opening to keep the water out.

[luv2rid]

Ahh, I bet you're correct. The previous owner installed a K&N filter on it and it is mostly open. Guess he either dealt with it or just happenedto never drive it in the rain.

Thanks for the response. I hope that's it (and I bet it is). It would be a much easier fix than the direction I was heading.

[JohnInAz]

It might also be an ignition issue. how old are your plug wires?

[luv2rid]

That was my first guess. I'm sure they are original wires, so 12 years old. The engine only has 39,000 miles on it, but they could still break down.

I checked and didn't see any obvious breaks, which I realize doesn't mean a whole lot. I was going to replace them regardless.

[irwin]

In my case the mass airflow sensor was getting wet. Haven't totally solved the problem yet.

[tropical36]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rid I have a 98 Tropical with the Chevy 454 engine. When driving in the rain, teh engine begins cutting out and the check engine light comes on. Once the roads dry up, the engine runs fine. I realize this is an issue with the motor, not the actual motorhome itself, but before I start looking at possible issues, I was wondering if anyone has had this problem with their chevy set up before. Obviously it is something that is getting wet, like the coils. Thanks

For beginners, open the air filter case in the passenger side front wheel well and see if the foam filter has separated from the paper element and might be all bunched up in there. It should be cleaned and dried out either way.
I found this once in a downpour and while staying in a wall-mart that night, found a filter in the store, then cut and glued on some new foam which was much cheaper than finding one like the OEM at a dealership or even NAPA. No matter what, water will get in here on occasion and am still not sure if it comes in the intake in front of the radiator (most likely) or works it way in under the filter box cover.
If your check engine light stays on after you're done, disconnect the chassis battery for a few minutes to reset it.