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.

 

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....

 

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.

 

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.

 

I replaced the coil, MSD box and distributor already...still no spark. Everything is hooked up correctly. Wondering if I fried the alternator. Would that cause this problem?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Let everything dry out before trying anything, all you did was soak the electrical wires. Water & electric current do not play well togther.

 

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.

 

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?

 

same thing

 

Yes Number One...I have the MSD box and alt grounded. I seem to be missing the ground strap from the back of the motor. Are there others?

 

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.

 

OK, my bud that built my motor is here to help me today. Should get it running soon. I will check the grounds you mentioned. I have pro-topline aluminum heads so I don't know about the posts...

 

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...

 

Does this mean your done with the pressure washing?

Glad you got it going.

 

I have used pressure washing once before. Mostly I use a garden hose. I will continue to wash engine bay in future but with a little more caution. I will wrap the dizzy and avoid the box...

 

I wrap all the stuff I dont wanna get wet in plastic grocery bags