Rain water grounding my Spark Plug Wires

[Jersey]

Could use some advice.

On Monday of Inzane I had to travel through heavy rain going to Roanoke.  After getting soaked for a little while my cylinders started shutting down.  This never happened before.  Short story is, once I sprayed WD40 around the Spark Plug boots and wires, the engine would fire up and quickly come back to life.  Unfortunately this only last about 40 miles or so and had to repeat.

Some additional info:
-Weep holes were fully clear the entire time
-Cylinders would fail individually (not in pairs from what I can tell)
-WD40 under/around boots and wires produced quick positive results
-cylinders cancelled out only when it rained or when behind tractortrailers blowing back heavy spray
-Pulling the boots i found water up under the inside of the boots... even long after it stopped raining and had been cleaned dry.

Beyond this issue only in the rain, the ol' girl ran great rest of the week travelling through Canada and back home.

My plan is to replace the wires, but wanted to get other's experiences/suggestions.

-Should I also replace the boots?  (How water-tight are they supposed to be?)
-Should I just replace the wires (and boots) or ALSO replace the coils?  (I don't think so since they seem to be producing what's needed when no rain)
-What wires are recommended for standing up to rain?  (Best long term performance/insulation?)

Thanks ahead of time,
Jersey

[Beardo]

Try putting dielectric grease on the inside of the spark plug wire boots with a q-tip and even some on the ceramic of each spark plug. Not on the terminals.

[Pete]

Water had to reach the  top connection on the spark plug or there was an electrical leak on the spark plug body.

And it appears that the seals on the plug wire to head surface is allowing too much water to pass. You can test that with a water hose.

The drain is designed to pass some water from the plug galley, but only small amounts so check that wire to head seal.

[Jersey]

Water had to reach the  top connection on the spark plug or there was an electrical leak on the spark plug body.

And it appears that the seals on the plug wire to head surface is allowing too much water to pass. You can test that with a water hose.

The drain is designed to pass some water from the plug galley, but only small amounts so check that wire to head seal.

Will try the hose check this afternoon when I wash her.  Just to clarify what you're suggesting:  Do you think water leaked down between the wire and the boot sleeve?   That would make sense. 

Thanks,

[oldsmokey]

Could age be a factor?  Wires starting to lose insulating properties, breaking down? Try the old night time spray bottle with water. See if it gives you a light show.

[Hook#3287]

Are you sure it's an electrical issue?   

Sounds like symptoms of air lock. 

Check both bottom ends of the vent hose, south of the "T"

[Jersey]

Are you sure it's an electrical issue?   

Sounds like symptoms of air lock. 

Check both bottom ends of the vent hose, south of the "T"

Thought of that and the vacuum petcock, but it clearly would occur only after a certain amount of rain/moisture being thrown at it.

[Pete]

Water had to reach the  top connection on the spark plug or there was an electrical leak on the spark plug body.

And it appears that the seals on the plug wire to head surface is allowing too much water to pass. You can test that with a water hose.

The drain is designed to pass some water from the plug galley, but only small amounts so check that wire to head seal.

Will try the hose check this afternoon when I wash her.  Just to clarify what you're suggesting:  Do you think water leaked down between the wire and the boot sleeve?   That would make sense.  

Thanks,

Yes, could be, but could also be going between the head and the spark plug rubber that seals to the head.

If more water goes in than can drain it backs up and can vaporize into the plug cap causing a short to ground.

[Jersey]

Water had to reach the  top connection on the spark plug or there was an electrical leak on the spark plug body.

And it appears that the seals on the plug wire to head surface is allowing too much water to pass. You can test that with a water hose.

The drain is designed to pass some water from the plug galley, but only small amounts so check that wire to head seal.

Ah, Understand.  The Head and the Boot.  Those don't seem to be too tight.  Is it normal to replace the boots over time?

Will try the hose check this afternoon when I wash her.  Just to clarify what you're suggesting:  Do you think water leaked down between the wire and the boot sleeve?   That would make sense.  

Thanks,

Yes, could be, but could also be going between the head and the spark plug rubber that seals to the head.

If more water goes in than can drain it backs up and can vaporize into the plug cap causing a short to ground.