2001 mustang gt not starting after washing engine bay
11-12-2012, 01:49 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: California
Posts: 6
2001 mustang gt not starting after washing engine bay
My dad recently purchased a 2001 mustang gt 5 speed, today he decided to wash the engine bay and now it doesn't start. If I push start it it runs but very rough like its on 6 or 7 cylinders but it ran fine before? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
11-12-2012, 02:07 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 187
Did he cover up the electrical box and air filter box before washing the engine?
Water probably damaged some of the electrical components. Make sure the spark plugs, coils, and wire ends are dry. Double check the fuse box, starter motor and solenoid isn't wet.
Letting it dry should hopefully fix it. I've done a lot of engine detailing in my time, it's important to wash an engine warm or cold, but not hot or running. Cover up sensitive components in tin foil or plastic bags. Spray an automotive degreaser, and use light water and a detail brush to clean. I would avoid pressure washers.
Water probably damaged some of the electrical components. Make sure the spark plugs, coils, and wire ends are dry. Double check the fuse box, starter motor and solenoid isn't wet.
Letting it dry should hopefully fix it. I've done a lot of engine detailing in my time, it's important to wash an engine warm or cold, but not hot or running. Cover up sensitive components in tin foil or plastic bags. Spray an automotive degreaser, and use light water and a detail brush to clean. I would avoid pressure washers.
Last edited by SD 197; 11-12-2012 at 02:11 AM.
11-12-2012, 08:35 AM
#4
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
^+1 Pull the COPs, the dry out the plug wells with compressed air -or- sop the water with twisted up paper towels, then spray WD-40 into the plug wells and sop that out as well.
Then spray WD-40 inside the cop boots too, and shake it it out. WD-40 will displace the water (that's the "WD" part) and is electrically non-conductive...
Then spray WD-40 inside the cop boots too, and shake it it out. WD-40 will displace the water (that's the "WD" part) and is electrically non-conductive...
11-12-2012, 02:46 PM
#5
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: California
Posts: 213
^+1 Pull the COPs, the dry out the plug wells with compressed air -or- sop the water with twisted up paper towels, then spray WD-40 into the plug wells and sop that out as well.
Then spray WD-40 inside the cop boots too, and shake it it out. WD-40 will displace the water (that's the "WD" part) and is electrically non-conductive...
Then spray WD-40 inside the cop boots too, and shake it it out. WD-40 will displace the water (that's the "WD" part) and is electrically non-conductive...
11-12-2012, 06:06 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: California
Posts: 6
ok so i pulled out all the cop's and they were all dry as could be today, car still wont start unless i push start it, but now it drives and idles fine like before? i am getting spark when it's turning over but the theft light is flashing when i turn it over. He also disconnected the battery after it was running rough dont know if that has anything to do with it? thanks
11-12-2012, 08:17 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PA
Posts: 13
ok so i pulled out all the cop's and they were all dry as could be today, car still wont start unless i push start it, but now it drives and idles fine like before? i am getting spark when it's turning over but the theft light is flashing when i turn it over. He also disconnected the battery after it was running rough dont know if that has anything to do with it? thanks
Try a long disconnect of the battery/Like previously stated, check battery voltage.
11-12-2012, 10:32 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: California
Posts: 6
when cranking it was giving me 10.3V but it is cranking hard and consistantly i would think enough to start it? is there any kind of fuel cutout that we could have tripped since we do have spark? no the theft lights only on when cranking not running.