Washed engine bay...now no spark
#1
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Washed engine bay...now no spark
I have racked my brain here about this problem I've encountered...washed my engine bay at the car wash as I have done several times and when I was done I couldn't start the car. I have traced every wire I can find and checked them for power, changed the distributor because the connector to my msd box was brittle and broke when I disconnected it. Changed the msd box cuz I thought I got water in it as well. Checked the fuses etc and still no fire. I am at a loss. Please, no comments about changing parts for nothing or washing the engine bay. I could use some ideas... Hope this is in the right forum.
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Car: 1991 Firebird Formula WS6
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42's
usually its just water or condensation in the distributor and you take the cap off and let it dry out and it'll start....but you said you changed the distributor....
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Car: 1986 Z-28
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Won't start
Try double checking the connections at the battery. Especially the accessory wires. If you have access to a volt meter, see if the distributor is getting 12 volts.
#4
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Originally Posted by djtricia
Try double checking the connections at the battery. Especially the accessory wires. If you have access to a volt meter, see if the distributor is getting 12 volts.
I have checked the battery connections..the battery is being charged because it wasn't at full capacity. It is a yellow top optima. I check the dist voltage with the key turned on correct? Will a bad alternator or starter connection cause no spark? I have a complete MSD ignition setup.
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Car: 1986 Z-28
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
no spark
I have never had an MSD ignition but have heard that they can be tempermental. I would try calling either MSD direct or maybe someone like Summit and ask them.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Originally Posted by djtricia
I have never had an MSD ignition but have heard that they can be tempermental. I would try calling either MSD direct or maybe someone like Summit and ask them.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Car: 1986 Z-28
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
no spark
The distributor should have voltage when the key is on I believe. Were you able to check the connections at the starter? If the alternator wasn't working then the battery wouldn't be charging. Do you by chance have access to another battery to try? And I would still try calling MSD or Summit or even the local dealership's service department. When I've had problems and didn't want to just start paying someone to trouble shoot it, I would call the dealership and ask questions. Almost all the time they would give me a couple suggestions on where to start looking.
It probably is something simple, we just haven't figured out what yet.
Hang in there and good luck.
It probably is something simple, we just haven't figured out what yet.
Hang in there and good luck.
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Car: 87 bird
Engine: enough to break stuff
Transmission: manual th400
Axle/Gears: 4.10
does the engine crank or not? if it does the only problem could be gas or ign. you should have 12V at the dist when you turn on the key(this is the first thing you should check always). if you do check for spark using an isulated screwdriver. stick one end in the boot and then bring the shaft close to the stud on one of the cylinders. at about a quarter inch you should see a spark when some one is cranking it. if your scared u can get a spark tester. let me know how that goes we'll go from there.
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Car: NCC-1701-D (docked in AZ)
Engine: impulse drive
Transmission: fusion reactors
Axle/Gears: Rescued from the Borg by my crew
I'm having the battery and alternator checked today. As far as the starter wires go, they seem hard and brittle. This would be due to the excessive heat from the headers. I will get under the car and check them when I get a chance to jack it up. As far as electrical and water goes, I have replaced all wires dealing with ign or MSD. This is messed up for sure. I think it's something simple and I will find it before the end of the day tomorrow...
To answer some questions:
Yes the engine cranks...no spark
I have taken the number one plug out and laid it against the studs or header and no spark.
To answer some questions:
Yes the engine cranks...no spark
I have taken the number one plug out and laid it against the studs or header and no spark.
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Ah, Mon Capitaine,
A little problem with the warp core eh!! Where is Geordi when you need him? Probably a dumb question but what the heck, "Q" isn't around. Have you checked the grounds?
A little problem with the warp core eh!! Where is Geordi when you need him? Probably a dumb question but what the heck, "Q" isn't around. Have you checked the grounds?
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same thing
Last edited by CaptPicardsZ28; 03-22-2006 at 11:02 PM.
#13
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Car: NCC-1701-D (docked in AZ)
Engine: impulse drive
Transmission: fusion reactors
Axle/Gears: Rescued from the Borg by my crew
Originally Posted by Trickster
Ah, Mon Capitaine,
A little problem with the warp core eh!! Where is Geordi when you need him? Probably a dumb question but what the heck, "Q" isn't around. Have you checked the grounds?
A little problem with the warp core eh!! Where is Geordi when you need him? Probably a dumb question but what the heck, "Q" isn't around. Have you checked the grounds?
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Yes Mon Capitaine,
You should have the ground posts on the back of each cylinder head and the ground strap going to the firewall from the right cylinder head.
You should have the ground posts on the back of each cylinder head and the ground strap going to the firewall from the right cylinder head.
#15
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Car: NCC-1701-D (docked in AZ)
Engine: impulse drive
Transmission: fusion reactors
Axle/Gears: Rescued from the Borg by my crew
Originally Posted by Trickster
Yes Mon Capitaine,
You should have the ground posts on the back of each cylinder head and the ground strap going to the firewall from the right cylinder head.
You should have the ground posts on the back of each cylinder head and the ground strap going to the firewall from the right cylinder head.
#16
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Car: NCC-1701-D (docked in AZ)
Engine: impulse drive
Transmission: fusion reactors
Axle/Gears: Rescued from the Borg by my crew
OK, car starts finally!! The issue was the new MSD 6A box. After hooking up a spare box that my friend brought with him it fired right up. Turns out that the new box appears to have been used or returned. Tried the original 6AL box and it didn't work. So, bottom line is the distributor and box crapped out on me. Not bad for the first breakdown in 4 years with this car! Thanks for all the advice and help guys...
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Car: NCC-1701-D (docked in AZ)
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Transmission: fusion reactors
Axle/Gears: Rescued from the Borg by my crew
Originally Posted by djtricia
Does this mean your done with the pressure washing?
Glad you got it going.
Glad you got it going.
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