Help solve my bonehead move of the day

[Vollblut]

Feeling like a complete idiot. Went on a weekend ride over dusty mountain roads this weekend and thought I'd rinse out the dirty engine bay while I washed the car.

Bad move. Although I've done this for years on my 'other' 18-year-old cars with the pressure washing wand at the local car wash facility without a hitch, I had no idea it would be so catastrophic on the c900.

I started the engine right after washing it and let it idle. Then it stalled and wouldn't start up again.

Disconnected all the visible connectors (AIC, AFM, ICM, injectors, etc. and dried them out with some improvement, but after waiting half an hour the car eventually ran but the idle is really lumpy and it's hard to get it into gear and it stalls constantly. Haphazardly, I managed to drive it home and parked it.

As if this wasn't bad enough, it started blowing some acrid smelling smoke through the air vents.

Did I fry something?

[TooMany2cvs]

Originally Posted by Vollblut

Did I fry something?

Almost certainly not.

Stupid question - have you pulled the distributor cap off yet?

[grif900]

Yeah, yer distributor is probably wet. I clean engines often and almost always have to dry out the cap after.

[nuclear944]

A little WD-40 always helps.

[Vollblut]

Thanks so much for the responses. You guys are great.


Although I separated the distributor cap, I didn't pull it off completely. Hopefully it will have dried overnight, otherwise now I know what else to check!

[peva]

I pressure wash my engine occasionally with no side effects, but I know the electrics are in good nick. But when you do this don't tempt providence by hosing directly at the electric items or dizzy cap or coil and leads, they are some of the most vulnerable parts. Adrian' s right, it probably is dizzy cap that's causing the problem. lift it right back so you can see inside and if you have it a hot air blower or hair drier helps to dry it out. When you've finished a quick spray of WD40 provides a little insurance. And no, you won't have fried anything.

PS A little smear of silicon or dialectic grease around the internals of connectors and their seals helps to prevent corrosion and ingress of moisture and they come apart much easier.

[Vollblut]

Originally Posted by peva

I pressure wash my engine occasionally with no side effects, but I know the electrics are in good nick. But when you do this don't tempt providence by hosing directly at the electric items or dizzy cap or coil and leads, they are some of the most vulnerable parts. Adrian' s right, it probably is dizzy cap that's causing the problem. lift it right back so you can see inside and if you have it a hot air blower or hair drier helps to dry it out. When you've finished a quick spray of WD40 provides a little insurance. And no, you won't have fried anything.

PS A little smear of silicon or dialectic grease around the internals of connectors and their seals helps to prevent corrosion and ingress of moisture and they come apart much easier.

Great tips. Many thanks.

[jetman]

I'd actually avoid the WD40 and just air dry or blow dry it. WD40 turns to goo, collects dirt and is more trouble then its worth unless you need it for an absolute roadside emergency.

[nuclear944]

Yeah WD40 is just for items that don't require too much precision or aren't too sensitive.

[Vollblut]

You guys were right. After sitting overnight, the car started up fine and drives normally now.

Lesson learned. No more pressure washing this engine. Thanks again!

[crwchf01]

Actually, no more indiscriminate pressure washing. Keeping clear of major electricals other than the starter is usually a good thing.