Hey family
Damsel in Distress 1992 won't start after washing engine
kept it running while I washed it any suggestions ? Akaiha damsel in distress

 

Sounds MAYBE like you got the Opti spark wet, but I'm not a later model C4 guru and I'm sure someone will come by and help. Was it running the entire time you were washing it down with no issue? Good luck.

 

You just posted, so give it a few minutes and let the water evaporate off. Sometimes it will clear it out.

If not, you will have to run electrical diagnostics as that is what is messed up. You will have to start with the basics and go from there.

 

Let it dry out for a day. You just might get lucky. But chances are your screwed. You don't wash the LT1 engine because of the Opti on the front of the engine. If it doesn't start after a day drying out, you will be replacing the Opti...not cheap. Depending where you are look at $900 to $1200 for replacement.

 

Thanks yes it was running. Question I looking at my title it says 1992 coupe
no c anything how would i find out? I had it towed to the shop

 

Thanks so much how can you tell what kind of corvette C or TI it says on the title corvette coupe 1992 nothing else Thanks

 

No way it was running to hole time Im sure it will start tomorrow its at the shoo now. Thanks

 

C4 = Corvette 4th Generation (1984 to 1996).

 

you prolly didn't know but you should never get water anywhere near the opti..............I believe the 95 - 96 have a seep hole in the opti that will keep water out , if you do find out its been damaged and you replace then ask them to rig up a drain tube

 

You got any pics of a drain tube arrangement?

 

I donot, maybe someone here does or just post a question

 

Yes. NEVER wash any new car engine, for trhe reasons mentioned. It may or mayn't dry out on its own.

 

I'm going to throw this out for consideration. First off I don't have an opti so it's all based on regular breaker point and electronic distributors. The usual - do it at your own risk.

Once the wash job was complete, did the car die while washing or was it shut off after the water was shut off? If it ran post wash and was shut off, it may be something like water getting into a non-opti connection or relay that could be the problem. Before springing for another opti, I'd get a can of electrically compatible water dispersant spray. I'd take every connection off in the engine compartment and spray the connectors to force any water out. I'd even consider doing the plug wires too as it's possible some water could have gotten into them if the spray was hard enough.

It might not do a bit of good if it's actually the opti, then again if it's not then it might help. I did this once to a Spitfire I owned that my ex-bil tried to play submarine with and actually got water into the distributor. After sponging out what water I could, used this spray and after putting it back together drove it home where I could dry it out correctly.

Obviously it's the posters call but don't rule out the opti till you know that's the problem.

PS I'd also confirm whether you have spark and it's not starting or no spark at all.

 

OK - The odds are Very High that you got water into the Optispark distributor which on the LT1 cars (1992 - 1996) is mounted right behind the water pump. As other posters have said - washing a LT1 / LT4 motor is NOT a Good idea.

You say you have the car at the shop. If they find that there is no spark - the odds that you killed the opti have increased even more.

The Optispark was not one of GM's best ideas, and it's not only expensive to replace - the job is a PITA requiring removal of the water pump and balancer. If it needs replacing, it's a costly lesson, but I'd suggest that you do the water pump at the same time, since the old pump will have to come off anyway. The 1992 used a unique one year only water pump, and if you want to save a few bucks - you can go with the 1993 - 1996 pump - which is cheaper. If you do go with the later pump - you'll have to block off one outlet (don't just use a hose cap - they have been known to fail at very inopportune times - ask me how I know this) - use a short piece of fiber reinforced heater hose with a brass plug.

OK - You probably just got an expensive lesson in what not to do - but try to remember - the C4's are really under rated cars - they handle and brake well, and have 300 ft lb of torque from about 1,800 RPM thru over 5,000 RPM. Don't let the one mistake keep you from enjoying the car !!!!

 

The 1992 is a LT1/LT4 base car and has the Opti on the front of the engine under and below the water pump. It may have been running when you washed it. But it sometimes take a little while for the water to seep into the interior of the Opti causing it to fail. If you have a good mechanic, they should be able to pinpoint the issue fast by pulling error codes.

 

The only error code mine had was "misfire detected".

 

C4 indicates Corvette 4th generation. If it is a 92, it is either an LT1 engine which is the base model, or LT5 engine which is the ZR1 model. The LT1 is indicated with a "P" in the 8th digit of your VIN number.
Never, ever put water on that engine for exactly what has happened to you. Replacing the Optispark is time consuming causing great expense. At least 5 labor hours. Replace the water pump while they are in there. They go out frequently and when they do, they dump coolant and water on the Optispark ruining it again. My suggestion is to put a spigot on the new water pump seep hole and pipe it around the optispark and below the engine for when the water pump takes its dump next time.
Here is the link for the water pump seep hole mod:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-lt1-lt4.html

 

The other thing you will run into is the decision on what Optispark to install. Big debate on this forum.
I have the MSD Optispark in mine. Most will recommend a Delco unit. I am sure opinions will follow..
But my advice is to get a firm that is experienced in Corvettes, Optisparks and OBD1 diagnostics and will guarantee their parts and labor. This may be expensive but will relieve your headaches.

 

Any news on what the issue is/was?