I got a 1992 Toyota MR2 N/A Japanese Import (3SGE engine). As part of> > trying to diagnose this problem I have replaced the following -> >

- HT Leads (replaced with Magnecor 8mm leads)> > - Spark Plugs (numerous times)> > - Distributor cap> > - Distributor rotor arm> > - Distributor seal & o-ring seal> > - Fuel Filter> > - Camshaft cover gasket.> >

Here's whats happening..> >

When I'm driving in rain/snowy conditions, after about 20 minutes of> > driving I feel the engine begin to miss/hesitate. It will gradually> > lose power and I will be forced to shift down in an attempt to keep it> > ticking over.. The engine eventually dies and when I attepmpt to> > re-start it, it turns over fine but won't fire up. On numerious> > occasions upon releasing the ignition key, the engine starts itself in> > reverse (I know hard to believe but when I stuck the car in 1st gear> > and let off the clutch the car went in reverse!!!!!)> >

If I sit in the car for about 20 mins and then re-tried the ignition,> > the car will start and run fine - no hesitation.. I drive for another> > few minutes, noticing my temperature gauge gradually reaching> > operating temperature (mid way) and the behaviour repeats itself..> > start to feel it miss/hesitate until it cuts out again.. Again it> > won't restart..> >

Thinking this was a temperature issue (given if I wait 20 mins for it> > to cool right down it will start & run fine), the last time it> > happened I pulled the coolant temperature sensor. This had no effect.> > The car still wouldn't start.> >

At the weekend, I checked the timing and made sure it was at 10> > degrees and then proceeded to mimic the conditions which cause the car> > to get into the state above. I power washed from above & below and> > after a minute or so, the car began to hesitate and died. When I tried> > to restart it wouldn't and actually started in reverse again.. I> > thought to myself. Bingo I have ya now.. I can reproduce the problem..> > I got out and attached one of the spark plug leads (complete with> > spark plug) onto the coil and turned the ignition.. I could see a> > spark so I figure my coil is ok.. So I re-connected the coil back to> > the distributor and re-fitted the spark plug and tried the ignition> > again.. This time it started.> >

I have since tried power hosing the car (twice) but still I cannot get> > it to fail again.> >

Has anyone come across these symptoms before or has anyone got any> > suggestions on what to check ??> >

Cheers> > jao>