Washed engine, now won't start. Ideas?

[tmai246]

I washed my engine at the car wash 2 months ago with the engine off. When I finished and tried to start the car, it wouldn't crank. The engine turns, but nothing more. I used my Volvo to pull the Rover out of the car wash bay and left it for a week and a half in the sun. I also took the distributor cap off to let it dry out. I tried to jump it off, but I got the same- the engine turns but no start. I got AAA to tow the Rover home and it's been sitting in the sun for close to two months now. I tried to jump it off the other day with no success. I switched out the ignition coil with another one I have laying around with no success. I use the Rover around town only, so I don't want to sink much money into it. What could it be? Perhaps the ignition module?

I would like to get it running if possible, so if you've ever had this problem and found a solution, please clue me in. It is a 1993 LWB 4.2 with 104k.

Thanks in advance!
Tom

[Beard]

i know when i was a teen ager working at the car wash.. we used to cover the distrib and fuse box / cpu thingies with aluminum foil before detailing the engine.. we were also told to leave the engine running while spraying for some reason.

start by looking at the main electrical components.. usually it is suggested to use a electrical contact spray.. as that will repel any water.. and also when it dries it wont leave any residue..

i guess u could pull all the plug wires.. and try cranking the engine to see if u are getting juice to the end of the ignition wire. if not then start working backwards from there.. i guess too?? u would want to pull the fuel pump fuse so u dont flood then engine?

wait for one of the pros to offer their suggestions though..

we had one kid run a non working car through the car wash.. then open the hood when it came to the heavy duty blowers... ya he ended up blowing and bending the hood up really bad... ok ok im joking

[BullDogSix]

moisture in your distributor cap...pull it off and dry it out usually solves this. 2 months no start?? Hmm...something is disconnected? My guess: the pressure washer blew an electrical connector off...mabey the coil wire.

[atvsmurf]

x2 on a connection blown lose...

[ArmyRover]

connections knocked loose fried electrical component.

verify the basics(air, fuel, spark, etc) and work from there if there is nothing obvious hanging loose.

[BullDogSix]

BTW...don't use a pressure washer in your engine bay...too much pressure...bad idea as you've found out.

[Elemental]

Gasoline Otto Engine No start/Misfire Diag Principles.