So I went through about a foot and a half of water a little faster than I should have, and it made the engine want to die out for a minute, then it idled OK but the tach was jumpy at idle and was reading around 600 rpm too high while driving. Went to get gas, car started up fine, then I went to WinCo and when I tried to start again, the headlights flashed very briefly then nothing. Distributer cap is try, battery is charged, I don't think the carb is flooded. No turn over, nothing. Does it just need to dry out? I'll go back tomorrow and see.

So I went through about a foot and a half of water a little faster than I should have, and it made the engine want to die out for a minute, then it idled OK but the tach was jumpy at idle and was reading around 600 rpm too high while driving. Went to get gas, car started up fine, then I went to WinCo and when I tried to start again, the headlights flashed very briefly then nothing. Distributer cap is try, battery is charged, I don't think the carb is flooded. No turn over, nothing. Does it just need to dry out? I'll go back tomorrow and see.

 

Check your fuses, and let it dry out. Call me in the morning.

well you got water in it and

water+electricty=problem

 

probably just needs to dry out - check the gas tank for water in it, and check to see if your engine/tranny/rear diff got water in their oil too

 

Good Luck

you COULD tow it over to my parents house and dump it off if you'd like.......

 

Yeah sounds like you have a case of air drying electronics. They don't tend to like water very much and are very picky a lot of times. Let it sit for maybe a couple days and you should be good to go. Also, like was said before, check all of your fuses!

OK, so i went back an hour ago. fuses all look good, didnt see water in oil, but i wasnt going to drain and refill it in the parking lot either. Wiped off spark plug ends and inside of disty cap, horn and rear lights work, still no turnover

Try putting a wrench on the crank pulley and turning it over by hand (ignition OFF). If it doesn't turn 2 full revolutions you my have water in the cylinder.

OK, so i went back an hour ago. fuses all look good, didnt see water in oil, but i wasnt going to drain and refill it in the parking lot either. Wiped off spark plug ends and inside of disty cap, horn and rear lights work, still no turnover

You may have knocked the power wire off the starter, there are two on it, one is bolted on, and the other is just a small tab. Also, if there is any moisture in the disty, i'd spray some WD-40 into it just to be safe.

Both wires are connected to the starter. Where is the crank pulley and what size is it?

Both wires are connected to the starter. Where is the crank pulley and what size is it?

 

Its the big pulley on the front of the engine, can't miss it. Its a 22mm, i'd reccomend a shallow socket, or you'll have a heck of a time getting the ratchet and socket between the engine and the radiator. I'd be gentle and turn it clockwise, and if you feel any solid resistance, pull your plugs, all of them. and see if it cranks now. I'd also see about labeling them, as you don't want to put the wrong plug in the wrong hole.

I just got back. I used a crescent wrench and it moved fine, with the plugs in. I'm thinking my ignition switch might have gone out because a few years ago that happened in my Camaro and I could start it by putting a conductive object between the 2 wires on the starter. I tried that and it turned over like it normally would, but still no startup. Key was on and someone helped me by pumping the gas pedal. I'm out of ideas for the moment.

I think you can hotwire your car by running a wire between coil + and battery + and shorting the starter - if it is breaker points, this should work, otherwise, I think you need to fix your ignition switch

 

good luck

w0 f***** 0t! My dad's freend played around with some wires, a little U-shaped thing called a "jumper" on the right side rear engine bay got wet and came loose. Plugged it back in, the fan and lights came on and it started no problem! I was about to give someone a great deal too. Letting it run right now to make sure it's real nice and dry. I think waterproofing will be m next significant investment!