I used Wd40 in the cap to keep it working

 

Ah, okay. To me, "Won't crank" means the starter is not isn't doing anything. Sorry if I caused any confusion.

 

Took dizzy cap off and blew it out with compressed air, shot some WD40 in and wiped down. Also blew out all connection points with air and made sure contacts were clean. Fired up first time and ran great. Took her for a drive and all looks good. Thanks guys! Probably won't hose down the engine again in the near future 😜

 

Lol, just use some care and it'll be OK, I hosed down the 5.3 in my Trailblazer today.

 

I'm glad I read this thread as I was just about to do some spring cleaning. Glad it got all worked out!

 

Read this one to then. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-old-mess.html

 

When power-washing an engine, I'll use sheets of aluminum foil around the dizzy because it conforms and stays in place better than a plastic bag.

If you're gonna use engine heat to dry the engine, steam and condensation can still form under the distributor cap.

I'll usually just let it air dry and use rags to sop up water in the horizontal nooks and crannies.

 

I find it helpful to soak a towel in cold water and wrap the towel completely around the distributor to block the steam from getting under the distributor cap. Also don't spray the alternator.

 

I do not avoid washing an engine or engine compartment. Gunk them down with cleaner,spray them down with the water hose or at times pressure washer. Avoid if possible direct water on alternator and electrical stuff. When done I grab the air hose and blow everything off especially distributors and electrical boxes etc. This is the same advice everyone else is giving, just my 2 cents. gary

 

Born and raised in CA, Dad was stationed at Castle AFB twice, I was stationed at Beale AFB when I was in, and worked at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach on the MD-11 after I got out of the USAF, and eventually ended up in Dothan for a few years. First time I heard some people talking about "fun times in LA", I started talking about the times I had. They looked at me like I was stooopid. One explained what "LA" "really" meant... I looked at them like...well... Your statement covers it