Wet Engine

[Gary Layne]

I sprayed my 1995 engine off at the car wash and now it will not start. Where do I start to fix the problem.

a) it will crank.
b) no hits during cranking.
c) seems to want to run backwards at times when cranking.

 

[bossvette]

My guess is you have water in the distributer. it should start after it dries out. I usually leave the engine running when washing at the ole $.25 car wash to keep this from happening.
Craig sr.

 

[silver 80]

Am i missing something here guys???:confused
1995 ??? opti spark or distributor with cap?

 

[oldace84]

Let everything dry, then re-try.
OK?
tony

 

[Ken]

1995 = OptiSpark.

Sorry, I'm of no help in that department; I just wanted to clarify the problem for everybody Gary.

 

[81kix]

Is it still at the carwash?
If not what about a blowdryer?
Just a dumb thought

 

[Ken]

Is it still at the carwash?

You are blonde aren't you Janine? He's got his computer there too.

_ken (just kiddin')

 

[vettered91]

I'm 90% (maybe 99%) sure there's wather in your optispark, let it dry and the coil too (the coil and coil cables you can do with a dry cloth), then try again. If it still does not work after that. Sorry, start searching for a new optispark!

 

[Rain]

Rule #1 for when you have an OptiSpark model LT1 engine in your vette:



No water on or near the engine.

I nearly got the kid fired at the local oil change place for spraying mine a bit and then telling me I was full of crap about the seriousness of protecting the opti.
Said "we spray vette engines all the time here".

Found out even the owner has a vette. But that still does not make it right. I simply told him that if the engine did not start, he was responsible for the repair and to not expect to see my business in his shop again.

To detail these engines, start with your air compressor. Blow off the loose dirt. Then use rags to wipe down as much as you can. Then hit it with air again. Wipe again.
The engine itself should be fairly clean now.
Finish up with shots of Trim N Shine on the rubber and plastic parts for a nice showroom shine.

TO clean the wheel wells and underside of the hood, I used Castrol's Super Clean first, then STP's Foaming tire cleaner(on the underside of the hood). Just watch it as it starts to run. Keep lots of rags and towels handy.

The results of a similar cleaning on my 1996 LT1. (engine had never been detialed in its life)
http://www.rainontheinternet.com/adaturing/june03vetteshow/

 

[vee93]

Well Gary,
I see you've proven once again how unique C4s are-how so unlike other cars these in comparison. Here's a tip: Don't assume. Read before you do. Yes, it's only a car, but oh what a car.

Get a Chilton's or Haynes manual-hell, get 'em both. Read your owner's manual. If the car didn't come with one, get one. Because there are lots of little nuances to these cars you should know before doing, guessing or experimenting thinking you know when you don't. It's save you headaches, heartaches and low bank accounts.

I sincerely hope you don't have to foot a bill for a new Opti-Spark. They aren't cheap, nor are the labor charges (I will assume since you put water on your engine and goofed up the distributor, you're not your own mechanic ).

Happy driving!

 

[81kix]

Ken

You are blonde aren't you Janine? He's got his computer there too.

_ken (just kiddin')

Ken, you crack me up.
Gary, I hope everything worked out fine for your baby and she is in up and running condition.... I am sorry to hear what had happened.
Later...

 

[bossvette]

Did not know the proper term for it, but wet ignition whether it is conventional, HEI or Opti-spark will kill an engine quick. I have a 96 Impala SS and don't go anywhere near the front of the engine with a hose. :nono
on the rare times my 76 gets it engine washed (or any other vehicle) I keep it running

 

[Skant]

Just a quick note about washing under there.... the optispark isn't the only component to treat with special care.

Some cleaning chemicals (typically engine degreasers) can dissolve the laminate coating on the monoleaf spring. This will cause the spring to start seperating and the front of your corvette to get lower and lower... and lower...

Cheap way to lower your car. Problem is, it won't stop until your frame is resting on the pavement. And the car will be prone to strong oversteer in the mean time.

Replacing the spring is expensive.

- Skant

 

[Tuna]

Sometimes, if the moisture in the OptiSpark is isn't too back, you can put a hair dryer on the OptiSpark and dry it out. Using a pressure car wash usually results in a toasted OptiSpark and an expensive repair.

Get your extension cord and hair dryer and put the dryer in the right front corner of the engine bay and point it at the front timing cover under the water pump.

If it starts and runs fine after that, great.

Lesson learned, never put a hose or pressure washer to an LT1/LT4 motor. It ain't good for the OptiSpark (and other things).

 

[81kix]

Sometimes, if the moisture in the OptiSpark is isn't too back, you can put a hair dryer on the OptiSpark and dry it out. Using a pressure car wash usually results in a toasted OptiSpark and an expensive repair.

Get your extension cord and hair dryer and put the dryer in the right front corner of the engine bay and point it at the front timing cover under the water pump.

If it starts and runs fine after that, great.

Lesson learned, never put a hose or pressure washer to an LT1/LT4 motor. It ain't good for the OptiSpark (and other things).

I was right, thanks Tuna.
Ken.........Dumb Blonde Joke did not work with me this time.
Ken.....Big Words.....BLOW DRYER!!!:J :cool

 

[Ken]

:L

 

[81kix]

Is that the best you can do Ken???
I need more feedback then that.:t

 

[Ken]

Is that the best you can do Ken???
I need more feedback then that.:t

CHAT...

 

[vettered91]

I´m sorry to interrupt but... ¿Does anybody knows what happen with Gary's vette?

 

[81kix]

I´m sorry to interrupt but... ¿Does anybody knows what happen with Gary's vette?

We don't know yet.....so we are just killing time here till he posts what the out come is.