I washed my engine hood out with Gunk, sprayed it lightly with a gentle shower, and after a couple minutes, when I start it, it wont stay running! it stalls!

Any ideas?

 

This past weekend I steam cleaned my engine, but used the soap and rinse at the local coin-op. I kept the engine running, but also noticed after I was done that the engine was running rough when I gave it a few revs. It cleared-up after driving some distance on the freeway. Like most cars, getting the ignition wet will make the engine idle rough. Wet coil packs, perhaps?

If you have an air compressor, you can try drying it out.

Unless your engine bay is filled with oil or sludge seeping out the manifolds and gaskets, stay away from Gunk. I think the solvents in it are bad for the rubber hoses and wires. My truck just gets the normal dirt accumulation, so the pressure water and soap is all that's needed with the engine running.

 

It could be.

Where is the coilpack? I blew everything off around the spark plugs, and got most everything with a leaf blower.


If I keep the revs up, it runs AOK, but as soon as I let off, it idles for 1/2 second then dies.

 

If you got the 5.4, I believe the coil packs are on top of the spark plug (I'm not exactly sure). I have a 4.6, mine has a pair on the front of the block. I also think if the alternator gets wet, it can also be affected. You probably just need to drive it around, take it on the freeway.

 

I cant drive it around, when I go to put it in drive it stalls!

I need to keep the gas into it or else it stalls...

 

Normally, most issues due to cleaning your engine will work themselves out pretty quick... If you every clean your engine bay again, check your manual first. There is a diagram that shows everything that needs to be covered up with either a towel or plastic bag (such as the battery, computer/fuse box, etc.) I'd bet you forgot to cover everything up.

 

Yup, I think you'll need to give it some revs for at least several minutes and hopefully it'll dry itself out. Also try wiping-off spark plug wires and the electrical wires, with the engine off of course. If all else fails, you may have water in your spark plug holes, perhaps water got in past the rubber cap.

 

Yea, now that I read it, I did.

I didnt cover up the battery nor the fuse box, but I covered up the intake part/filter.

I blew off the battery, and the fuse box was dry.


BTW, where is the IAC valve on the 5.4l? I cant find it

 

It's located on the intake.

-Brian

 

Would a dirty MAF cause this?

I have an aftermarket FIPK, so it would be easy to take out.

 

This problem has happened to me once or twice with different vehicles. Normally it works itself out if you give it time to dry. You might put a fan on it to help. I once had to drive my daughters Saturn about ten miles on two cylinders before it dried out. Old dad trying to help his little girl.

 

Well, for 5 minutes straight I kept the RPM's slightly above 1000, and man did that thing shake and vibrate the truck. And when I let off the gas, it stumbled, and stalled.

I find it SO odd that my previous 01 f150 had NO problem being washed, and that was 4 times.

 

I am the dumbest man alive.


Took another glance, and the damn vacuum hose came off my FIPK!!!!

I was likE WTF! So i replaced the clamp, put it back on, and it IDLES LIKE IT USED TO!

THANKS!

 

Welll----now we all had a learning experience.

 

Had a car a while back with a turbo, after picking it up from the body shop we realized (mechanic and I) that the turbo was left unplugged. The darn thing just wouldn't go faster than 25. It happens to everyone!