I took my 85 F150 thru the car wash.
It got real wet under the hood.
I dried it out good. Under the cap. Under the rotor.
It's been sitting for 4 days now.

It won't start.

Turns over fine, I used a bit of starting fluid, no firing.

I've checked fuses, etc.
There's 12 Volts on both sides of the plug on top of the coil.

Any hints? I've checked every connection I can see, I honestly think I blew a fuse or circuit.

Thanks in advance...//BJB

 

Unplug every connecor, if you can blow with compressed air (air compressor) and spray with WD-40, same with the cap and rotor. WD-40 will help displace moistor.......

 

I suggest the same. WD-40 will definatly be the best thing for getting mousture out of the cap and all of the wire connectors.

 

Thanks, I'll try the WD40 approach and see what happens. I appreciate the advice.

 

I had a Toyota pu as my last bike hauler. Before I took it to the local auto shop for a timing chain/gear replacement I steam cleaned the motor compartment trying to be a nice guy. I did a real good job and finished things off with w-d 40. Clean as a whisle. I drove it to the shop. They drove it into the work bay and replaced the timing gear/chain. Then it would not start. They had to replace what I call a coil. They called it an igniter. I guess I shorted thing out with too much moisture.
I have a 85 I6 that had a computer and a gazillion sensors. Key word HAD. Long shot but free shot, disconnect the battery neg cable to dump the computer brain fart.

 

Great idea, I'll pull the neg terminal and see what happens.

I was told to use brake parts cleaner to clear out the moisture. No residue left behind whereas WD40 collects dirt like a magnet.

Also, it started the other day. Ran for 5 minutes then instantly cut out again and hasn't started since.

Phew.

 

The only starting problem I've had is when I decided to spray clean the whole engine compartment including all the countless wiring connectors that live over by the steering column and get dirt under them. Little Truck didn't like it at all, and made me wait a good ten minutes before it would start again.
On the way home I swear it said; "Don't *ever* do that again, Bubba!"
:-)

 

Until you said it started the other day, I was going to suggest a crack in the dizzy cap....cool water on hot plastic = no no.
You shouldn't be getting water under the hood like that. Check the seal at the cowl.

 

The solution to my problem was to remove the ENTIRE EEC-IV ignition system and put in a DSII.

Which is fine, because now the truck runs great AND averages 20 mpg.

Wohoo.

 

Where'd you get the DSII.?

 

If you search on postings by BigJonBear, you'll see my thread where I talk about replacing the module, distributor, cap and rotor for under $150. I got the parts at Advance Auto. Part numbers are in the post.

Good luck.

Also, that's the most effective car repair I've ever done. That EEEEEEEEK IV is terrible.