washed engine, now it will not start!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 36
From: Salado, Texas, US
washed engine, now it will not start!
I washed my engine today and now it just turns over with no start. I smell gas like its flooded. Anyone know what to check for? I waited for over 30 mins, still no start!
Help!!!
94 6 speed Formula
Help!!!
94 6 speed Formula
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11
From: Southlake, TX
you probably shot your opti spark. washing your engine with running water is not recommended 
you're gonna have to replace the opti which is a pretty hefty chunk of change. i believe they are around $250
you're gonna have to replace the opti which is a pretty hefty chunk of change. i believe they are around $250
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,286
From: Crystal Lake, IL
no doubt OPTI... my opti is shot cuz my waterpump is shot(sits right on top of the opti) it got my opti nice and wet.. and it dosent run the best right now.... ALOT of water im sure cashed your opti out 
call jason cromer up... he gave me a great price
call jason cromer up... he gave me a great price
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 480
From: Lincoln, NE, USA
You prolly ruined the opti...it might dry out and start up again, but it prolly won't run up to par. I would get a new one for around 300 or so and if you really want to be ambitious, you can buy a vented opti conversion kit (not sure where they are sold) and you will have the vented version instead, which is a little bit better. 
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 209
Before you replace the opti, buy a can of either STP Wire Dryer, or Electrical Contact cleaner, about $3. Douse the outside of the opti, coil, and the ends of all the plug and coil wires. About a half a can should do the trick. Spray opti from both sides, and from below. Car will start right up.
The EXTERIOR of the opti, coil and wires are very succeptable to shorting and cross-firing as a result of water.
This is not BS, I've done this trick many times on my '94, and got 160k miles off the original opti. I finally relaced it because the internals were WORN, not water damaged. Also, keep a can in your trunk, in case you hit a large puddle.
Let me know how this works for you. My guess is about half of the opti replacement jobs are totally unneccesary, but the dealerships love the extra income.
The EXTERIOR of the opti, coil and wires are very succeptable to shorting and cross-firing as a result of water.
This is not BS, I've done this trick many times on my '94, and got 160k miles off the original opti. I finally relaced it because the internals were WORN, not water damaged. Also, keep a can in your trunk, in case you hit a large puddle.
Let me know how this works for you. My guess is about half of the opti replacement jobs are totally unneccesary, but the dealerships love the extra income.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,070
From: Austin, TX or Texas State University at San Marcos
Too bad you have a 94 with a "non-vented" opti. If it was 95 + it probably would have dried out with no problem. Call jason cromer 1 850 243 8826. He will hook you up. Always does. Atleast now you'll know to clean your engine with a little SIMPLE GREEN instead of a water hose.
Chris
Chris
