94 4runner starts then dies

hello all, new to the page. i recently purchased a 2nd gen 4runner, car ran fine when purchased and made it thru desert season out here in California. decided to change plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor since it didnt pass smog. pressure washed engine bay, sat for a few days then was ready to start the car when it fired up then dies after about 10 seconds. when the key is in the "ON" position i hear what sounds like a pop sound almost like a fuse blowing on the passenger side. i replaced the starter and EFI relay and still no luck. cleaned the MAF and no luck. any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

Have you checked that distributor to make sure there’s no moisture inside after the pressure wash ? It just my opinion but pressure washing is a big no-no in my book under the hood of anything. There’s just to much risk of damaging electronics.

 

The distributor cap & rotor were replaced after the car wouldn’t run. I’m used to hosing down the engine bay but this will be the last time I do.

 

@shitbox2ndgen < so you got things wet and it's the trucks fault?



It may take several days for things to dry out on their own. Pooled moisture or moisture in a box, takes time to dry. Even in the desert.

Good luck.

 

hahah of course it’s my trucks fault, along with the pressure washer.! Last thing I wanna do is admit my stupidity.!!

 

Great comeback. Like your style!

 

Washing an engine bay can be fine when done correctly and carefully. Pressure washing an engine bay is something you should never do because pressurized water has a tendency of working its way past the seals meant to protect the electronics from splashes, especially when those seals are at least 26 years old!

You just got yourself an electrical issue. Find a service manual and check that the voltages are correct, you might of shorted something. If water gets into a wiring harness and under the insulation it can sometimes completely trash it. I don't know if that is the case here, hopefully you don't have to learn this the hard way.

 

Never pressure wash and engine.

Better hope it dries out.

 

Well we have a long weekend coming, if nothing else I’d assemble a hair dryer, Qtips, rags, screwdrivers and whatever else needed etc and start cleaning all of the electrical connections, separate them cleaning both side. Maybe run to the auto parts store and get a can of CRC dialectic grease to use after you get the connections clean and dry.

Maybe have a friend help and see if you can find where the popping sound is coming from, have them turn the key. If you don’t have an stethoscope a long screwdriver with your ear on the end and the tip placed at various point on the engine may help find the popping too.

I sure wish you the best, take your time, be methodical and thorough you’ll find it .

 

been down that road....i.e. doing some 'less than genius ' things..to my beloved ride(s) LOL

 

Eric O had some good input here:
https://youtu.be/DztNjugRAiI

 

Could be a problem in the VAF-COR circuit.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/my-truck-runs-few-seconds-then-quits-312747/

 

Yea looks like be disconnecting everything & hoping for the best. Thank you.

 

I checked & the COR is working as it should. I’m getting fuel, it’s gotta be a spark issue Im hoping.