Washed engine car won't start

Washed the engine, car won't start. Anybody have that problem? That's what happened when I washed the engine down before changing the rear main seal. The cure: dry out the cap, dist, wires, plugs right? Not in my case. Still wouldn't start. There was no Hi tension curent coming out of the coil but there was curent to the points. It alway started up quickly before. Ever hear that phrase before? Not thinking straight I changed the condenser, tried 3 coils, the last one was new. Still no spark. Checked to see if test light at the points would go on and off while cranking the engine. Light stayed on. Test light showed curent on both sides of the points. The wire had to be grounded somewhere. There was tape around the wire to the points. That wasn't it. Getting frustrated. Well what the heck take the tape off maybe see something. The tape was blocking the view of the problem. The points tension spring had come loose and grounded against the dist housing.

By this time I was so frustrated I asked a friend Norm Blackmer if he would come over to check things out. He came over with his tools, pulled the distributer and proceded to fix everything. He even thought to bring a new wire to the points. He found the vacuum canister was leaking and replaced it with another one I had. Put the dist back in and what do you know, gas air spark, it starts. Norm is one of the many helpful club members that is willing to help when needed. Norm went above and beyond. From his home to mine is about 100 miles round trip.

Jon Cronk is another member that helped me with the rear main seal a couple of weeks ago. He to traveled about 100 miles round trip. Now we can see if the new neoprene seal stops the leak Jon.

Norm and Jon, thank you very very much for all your help. You made my day.

Lee O'Dell

Now. on to removing the intake and exhaust manifold to cut out the damper that is frozen closed. Norm suggests adjusting the valves at the same time. Good idea. One thing always seems to lead to another. I think it's called MAINTENANCE. Sometimes I wish I had a 2012 Hudson Hornet.