HELP! Washed engine bay, now won't start!
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 644
Likes: 28
From: Hobart, WA
Ah, okay. To me, "Won't crank" means the starter is not isn't doing anything. Sorry if I caused any confusion.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
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 😜
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 877
Likes: 248
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 😜
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,239
Likes: 5,811
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
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.
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.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 830
Likes: 39
From: Whittier
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.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 475
Likes: 34
From: Vermont
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
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bondora68
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jan 4, 2019 12:25 PM