HELP! Washed engine bay, now won't start!
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
HELP! Washed engine bay, now won't start!
Hey guys/gals, pretty frustrated here. I took the truck to the gas station this afternoon and she ran like a dream, no problems whatsoever. Then I decided to clean the engine bay in preparation for installing headers next weekend. I covered the carb, intake hoses, distributor wires, ignition module and coil. Sprayed it down with Gunk Heavy Duty gel, let sit for 15 min, then sprayed off with hose. Went to crank it up after about 15 min, it cranked the first time but ran REALLY rough for about 30 sec then quit. It won't crank since. Seems like it's trying but won't run. I pump the gas a little when cranking and still won't crank so I'm not sure what's going on. Get some ****e vapor from the carb after attempting. Did water get in somewhere causing this? Doesn't look like any of the electrical systems got wet, unless maybe some got under the distributor cap? Any suggestions on what to check and in what order? I haven't changed anything since it ran so good this afternoon.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 644
Likes: 28
From: Hobart, WA
I'd start with the easy things first. If it won't crank, maybe the starter isn't getting enough amperage. Try cleaning the battery terminals. Check for corrosion and a good connection at the positive terminal on the starter, too. It certainly won't hurt.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Remove the distributor cap and dry it out. Look at the underside of the cap, you'll see a lot of moisture. This will allow crossfire between terminals and also to ground.
You won't be able to start it until the cap is dried out.
Also check the distributor, around the pick up coil and base plate, see if there is any moisture/water in that area. This will need to be dried out too or once the engine starts, the heat will vaporize it and it will collect under the cap and you'll be back where you started.....or didn't start.
You won't be able to start it until the cap is dried out.
Also check the distributor, around the pick up coil and base plate, see if there is any moisture/water in that area. This will need to be dried out too or once the engine starts, the heat will vaporize it and it will collect under the cap and you'll be back where you started.....or didn't start.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 644
Likes: 28
From: Hobart, WA
I was thinking the same thing, but he says it won't crank. Could the starter have gotten too much water & crud inside of it? Maybe the starter solenoid? I didn't think about that before.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 32
Is the motor still turning over but not starting or is it not doing anything at all?
Even with a bag that dizzy can be a sponge!
Even with a bag that dizzy can be a sponge!
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 63
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Thanks guys for the quick responses! I will check the distributor cap for moisture. That was gonna be my next step before I ran out of daylight as it made the most sense as the source of the problem. Great group of people here quick to lend a helping hand.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 32
I put $$$$ on the dist cap
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Careful, starters can be ruined quickly if an engine won't start. They are only rated for split second use basically. Let it cool off for 10 to 15 minutes. A boost charge for the battery will help, too.
WD40 will drive moisture out of distributor caps and ignition components. Sounds like you covered all the bases though. Let us know what you find.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 32
If he meant that the motor will turn over then I understood correct lol..
I am from south Alabama
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Yes, you understood my southern slang correctly. The engine does turn over but won't start. Hope to have some time this evening to get in there and dry out the distributor cap and try it again.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 32
But to clarify, I have all my teeth, don't dip, am NOT an Alabama football fan and keep my grass cut
