Ok, so here it is in a nutshell. Decided to wash the Legacys motor yesterday. Soaked it for about 5-10 mins with the engine degreaser. Went back out and rinsed it off for about 2-3 mins. Went out today to take it for a drive and now its idling rough and wont go like its supposed to when I give it gas. It goes, but definately not like it should when its floored. Feels like its being held back. Check engine light is on but that was on when I bought it a few days ago and it was running great. Guy said it was possible the O2 censor and thats why the light was on. Like I said though, it was running great until I washed it. Any ideas????? Happened to anyone before??

Edited June 8, 201015 yr by SubieDaddy80

I have had this happen before, prolly moisture on wires and connectors. Suggest you let the motor idle to get hot, or at the least open the hood and let the sun beat down on the motor for several hours. Once dried out, car should run normally.

Check for spark - might have only half the ignition amp working. Disconnect it and shake it to see if there is water inside.

 

GD

i'd guess what GD is on to - the ignition wires have water up in the connections. check the ends.

 

read the codes too if you get nowhere.

All right, I went out and unplugged the coil and no water. I went ahead and just put my super fan on the motor to dry out whatever it may be hopefully. Anything else I could check on?

Not the coil - the ignitor - center of the firewall - straight back.

 

GD

Pull the plug wires and check for water in the plug wells. Bet your spark plugs are swimming.

LMAO!! Guess what?! The plugs were swimming!!!!!! Woo Hoo!! Back in business!! Thanks again USMB!!! You guys kick a$$! I know its something simple but I instantly thought that since I had just bought the car, that the little punk didnt tell me about something. But nope, just ALOT of water in the plug wells!! Thanks fellas!!!!

If you wash engine you ask for this sort of trouble. You can search how many people have killed, oh, alternators, knock sensors, coils, igniters, I am tired of typing but search and you will find.

The dirt/mud/oil mix acts as a secondary gasket to the ones on the car that are leaking. At least that seems to be the case on my car.

Yeah, after that little scare I dont think its going to get washed again for a LONG time. Next time I will make sure I do like they say, just cover all of the electrics and plug wells. Even then, I dont know if I will wash it. lol