1998 626 Stutters After Engine Wash

1998 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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GWAYNE100
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  • 1 POST
I washed the engine off my 98 626. It ran fine for about 10 miles. Then after having it parked for about 1/2 hour I went to leave & the car started suttering while accelerating & it has a hard time getting up to speed. I took the spark plug wires out & they were dry. I took off the coil where wires meet & it is totally encapsulated, nothing like I have ever seen before, and totally dry. It has now been 24 hours & the car is still doing the same thing. It is cold & if there is some water somewhere it will not have evaporated. Any idea what could be wet & causing this problem?
Jan 23, 2006 at 10:28 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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could be in just about any connector, try the injector connectors
Jan 24, 2006 at 9:38 AM
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RPVIEIRA
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All distributors have a small air vent, usually in the back, out of the way so that water won't get in there when driving. But, when you wash your motor, it's not uncommon to get some water in there. I'm sure it's running fine now for you, but if it happens again, you'll know to take your distributor cap off and gently dry it.
Apr 6, 2006 at 11:05 AM
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NORMANRL
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You can avoid this problem the next time you want to wash your engine by spraying you distributor cap with silicone prior to washing the engine. Use the same kind you would by to spray on boots, coats, etc. This will seal you distributor from moisture. Even with this, try not to spray directly on the cap with the high pressure. It may still get moisture in it. If you do get moisture in your distributor cap, spray the inside with an oil base product like WD40. Wipe the cap out clean and it should start. Be careful not rev the engine if it has moisture in the cap. It can crossfire and cause the engine to possibily jump time.
May 1, 2006 at 12:12 PM
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Suggested Repair

Check electrical connectors for moisture after the engine wash, starting with the fuel injector connectors, and dry any wet connections.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Mazda 626 said the engine began stuttering under acceleration and struggled to gain speed after the engine was washed. It had run normally for about 10 miles, then the problem started after the car sat for about half an hour and was still present 24 hours later. The spark plug wires and encapsulated coil were dry. The expert said moisture could be in almost any connector and suggested checking the injector connectors. Other participants said water can enter a distributor during washing and suggested drying the cap, spraying it with silicone before washing, and using an oil-based product such as WD-40 if the inside is wet, while avoiding high engine speed if moisture is present.

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