Okay, so it has happened once or twice before. If I am on a trail and hit some water, the engine will sputter and die, or stay at around 300-500rpm for maybe 30 seconds. It feels JUST like there is water in the distributor cap. Although since it's a 98 Disco, it doesnt have a dizzy lol. I figured it was the rotten and cracked spark plug wires. After changing those, the car seemed okay, but I haven't taken it out since. The other day while prepping for winter and changing flushing my radiator, the drive after did the same thing. back fire, sputter, won't do more than 5mph for under a minute, then takes off as if everything is fine.
Since it did it in the rad flush, i'm assuming it's something in the front of the engine. A vehicle that did this stellar in the Camel Trophy events SHOULD NOT die when it meets a puddle on the street. But I cannot seem to find what the issue is. There is a shield around the starter, and it looks as if the wire going to it is rubbing on the shield, it doesn't look warn, but could that be the case? Shorting on the body when water completes the gap? The check engine light is on, but its only my 02 sensors. Help me out, i'm stumped lol

 

G'day Adam. I too am having problems with water stalling the motor. Just a thought I have, is all your inner guards in place? Please message me if find the issue.

 

Hi Adam 78,
Check your MAF sensor the slightest look of water and your vehicle will stall or splutter. Do not use CRC to get rid of the moisture you will dirty tthe MAF and compound the problem. Get proper MAF cleaner and keep it wilth you to clean and dry the sensor. Also ensure where the MAF housing is located that the o ring is sealing correctly, as this could be the cause of moisture getting into your MAF.

 

Have you resolved your issue? I believe I have the same problem.

 

Still no luck. I checked the MAF, but it seems to be fine, and it's not throwing up any codes. I thought it could be the crank position sensor, but isn't that towards the rear of the engine?

 

Adam my issue turned out to be the ignition coils arcing. Go buy a can of CRC Wire dryer, and spray your ignition coils. It's a cheap trouble shoot.