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washing precautions

Discussion in '308/328' started by Yoric, Sep 25, 2005.

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  1. Yoric

    Yoric Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 8, 2005
    383
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    Yoric
    #1 Yoric, Sep 25, 2005
    I normally have a very easy, eager starting 1989 328, but this afternoon after a mild bath--no direct hosing of the engine compartment vanes--it took three or maybe four long tries before the engine started, and it missed slightly for about 20-30 secs. Needless to say, I took it out for a half hour drive to dry everything out. By the time I got back it was running smoothly again. I shut it off and then restarted it. Once again, all ok.
    Are these cars that touchy that they dont want to get wet? Do I cover the left side of the engine (coils, primary wires, distributors) with a large plastic bag every time I wash the car, or was it a fluke and ome water just got into the wrong place this time?
    What's your experience?
    Ricardo
     
  2. Simon

    Simon Moderator
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    Aug 29, 2003
    6,876
    Switzerland
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    Simon
    #2 Simon, Sep 26, 2005
    Ricardo, I use to own a early carb 308 with the ill fitting spark plug rubber seals. The first time I washed it I had water down by the base of the spark plugs. Only a tiny anmount, but enough to cause a spark outside the combustion chamber. I had to change all the plugs and dry everything out before it ran properly again.

    Ever since then I always laid a sheet of plastic over the whole engine when I washed the car. I carry that on with the 328 now aswell.

    Glad everything is running well again.
    Cheers
    Simon
     
  3. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
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    Colorado
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    Dave
    #3 hardtop, Sep 26, 2005
    Ric,
    I never had this happen. It is important not to spray the motor because water can get into the plug holes and the extneders then burn holes through the sides, but with the lid down, I've never had a problem.

    Dave
     
  4. Yoric

    Yoric Formula Junior
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    #4 Yoric, Sep 26, 2005
    Dave,
    I can't explain what happened either. 'Cause this is the second time I wash the car since I brought it home from Dallas and the first time, nothing happened. In fact I drove it off the trailer in the rain and after two days of very wet and intense weather. Go figure.
    Today, after waxing it (with Meguiar's much touted NXT Gen Wax--the most disappointing automotive product I've purchased in last ten yrs in my opinion!), I took it out for another leisurely drive and it started right up, idled smoothly and brought me back home with a big grin on my face.
    Ric
     

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