Rep Power: 206

...ME!!!

FREAKIN' EPIC EPIC FAIL!!!!

It's been a LONG TIME since I've done any kind of work on an automotive. Recap: I purchased a used Civic months ago and figured I clean the engine surface/bay area.

I remembered long time I used to use a foam cleaning solvent called Engine Brite. Checked local automotive store and yup they still had them. I picked up a couple cans.

I shooked the can real good and sprayed it all over the engine area. However, this liquid solvent didn't foam like the ones I used in the past. In fact, it was a bit greasy. I looked on the can and fack! Engine Degreaser!!!

I watered down the degreaser, let it sit for awhile (air dry for 20 mins.) then turned on the engine in hopes of it burning some of the greaser. Sure enough, I see smoke. A good sign. I take the civic out slowly for a test run, and so far it feels good.

I come up to a red light, attempt to accelerate, and the car dies on me. I try to start it up and it won't start. It cranks but feels like it's not firing.

I pushed the car back home--half a mile--and here I am typing this. I'm exhausted.

Flame me all you want. I deserve it. LOL!

I'm just kinda down I messed up a perfectly working Civic. Any help trying to restore the civic back to working condition would be appreciated. Like, what do I need to replace or clean?

Such an epic fail!!!

FAK!

 
Rep Power: 246

sure u didnt get the dizzy wet? had that happen to me. washed the engine bay w/ a steam cleaner and just enough watter got in the dizzy to short it out. of course i found this out 1/2 way home from the college where i did it.

 
Rep Power: 206

Dizzy as in distributor? If so, I'll check it out first thing in the morning.

 
Rep Power: 206

Update: I took off the distributor cap and found water. I grabbed my air compressor and air dried the cap, and spark plug wires. I then air sprayed all the electrical connectors and found water in the connectors. Sprayed everything dried.

I attempted to crank the car and BANG! It turned strong and rev'd harder than before. Sounded and felt really good. Tested the car around the front yard (last thing I wanted to do is drive it around the neighborhood and have it die out on me again), and everything worked great, if not better.

Thanks guy!

Oh, and here's the funny part. When activating my alarm the beeping sound was non-existent. Somehow the water/engine degreaser fixed the problem. I guess something good came out of this. LOL!

 
Rep Power: 314

Glad to hear it's all fixed up

 
Rep Power: 201

I did the same thing as you before. Except with a pressure washer. I now cover the dizzy, battery, and any other electrical piece that is left open with a plastic bag. Live and learn LOL!

 
Rep Power: 314

^ ooo a pressure washer. I wonder what the neighbors were thinking... lol