Car sputtering/running bad, ideas?

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09-18-2007, 06:49 AM
CosmosMpower

Car sputtering/running bad, ideas?

I powerwashed the engine bay lightly last night while washing the car, didn't cover the spark plugs but I didn't really spray in that general vicinity. Was mostly trying to get the front of the valve cover/intake manifold area clean. Car seemed to be sputtering and idling a little funny afterwards and I figured it might have just gotten something a bit wet.

Took it out for a 10 min drive and all was well. This morning I turned the car on and it started sputtering and feeling like it was losing power. I got on the highway and it wouldn't accelerate WOT but would speed up at 3/4 throttle. After about 5 mins everything seemed to go back to normal. Just got to work so I'm not sure if there was some leftover residual water. Any ideas on what to check beyond pulling the plug wires/coil packs/spark plugs if it keeps running bad later?
09-18-2007, 06:54 AM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Any ideas on what to check beyond pulling the plug wires/coil packs/spark plugs if it keeps running bad later?

Start there. 99% chance that's what is wrong. Blow out the spark-plug wells with compressed air when you pull the plug wires. DO NOT pull your plugs.
09-18-2007, 07:04 AM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

Start there. 99% chance that's what is wrong. Blow out the spark-plug wells with compressed air when you pull the plug wires. DO NOT pull your plugs.

Gotcha, I highly doubt any water got down into the wells but you never know. I'm hoping when I get in to drive home this afternoon everything will be 100% normal. Besides being TCB I'm also TLB (Team Lazy Bastard). :D
09-18-2007, 07:06 AM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

I highly doubt any water got down into the wells

Those spark plug boots aren't water tight. Trust me. :rolleyes: (Pull them off the coil and dry those ends off too)
09-18-2007, 07:19 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

Those spark plug boots aren't water tight. Trust me. :rolleyes: (Pull them off the coil and dry those ends off too)

+1 Been there, done that... ;)
09-18-2007, 07:29 AM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

Those spark plug boots aren't water tight. Trust me. :rolleyes: (Pull them off the coil and dry those ends off too)

Agreed... let those suckers air out! ;)
09-18-2007, 07:32 AM
CosmosMpower

Maybe I should go pull them now and let them dry out all day. You would think the residual heat from the engine would dry everything out pretty quickly but I guess not.
09-18-2007, 07:46 AM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Maybe I should go pull them now and let them dry out all day. You would think the residual heat from the engine would dry everything out pretty quickly but I guess not.

You bet... that water needs a place to escape. Take the plug wires off and it'll be dry by lunch time.
09-18-2007, 07:57 AM
jrj512

I had the same issue. Mine ran fine immediately after washing the engine, but sputtered the next day.
09-18-2007, 08:09 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

I had the same issue. Mine ran fine immediately after washing the engine, but sputtered the next day.

Same thing the wife's car did to me, when she got home you could see the water in the wells... Oppps my bad. ;)
09-18-2007, 08:11 AM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

I had the same issue. Mine ran fine immediately after washing the engine, but sputtered the next day.

What was the resolution?
09-18-2007, 08:48 AM
tailchaser

There's water in the plug holes. Thread over. Next!