UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hello, I have a '95 polo (6N) for 9 and a half years now running fine until 2 weeks ago... The engine is a 1.6 (55KW/75HP). The problem is that when i'm running over large amounts of water (i would say 2-3cms not just wet road) the engine would either fluctuate in rpm's and die a few minutes/seconds later or stop instantly... So I guess this is an electrical problem. I have managed to reproduce this behaviour today (dry) after finding some water puddles in my neighbourhood. The car will not start unless some time depending on the amount of water (I guess) has entered the engine compartment. This time is usually 15' to 2 hours. I should also mention that for 9 and a half years i had NEVER had an engine stop and no trouble with water whatsoever. Also I have changed the distributor together with the plugs to no avail. I've also sprayed every cable and connection I would find in the engine with a special plastifying spray...
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

have you tried changing the actual cables, too? they are often a source of woes

Had them changed yes. Anyway thanks. FYI I took it to another dealer here who reckoned that it was the "Ignition coil & Control Unit" device. Seemed quite sure about it. They said they sprayed it and the engine DID stop. Hasn't rained since to test it, but I'm quite convinced that the problem should be fixed now. If not I don't know what I'm gonna do!