Problem: sprayed down the engine bay

[GTScort]

So my entire car was covered in salt... even my engine bay had salt in it. So I decided to give my engine bay a quick spray down. I've done it before without a problem.

Anyway, so this time it was a mistake apparently. At first, it accelerates normally... but after 20-30 minutes of drivetime, my car accelerates hard to 4000RPM and then suddently cuts and stops accelerating... (it's cold so I'm guessing ice turns to water on whatever is being affected) its as if the timing is being severely retarded and fuel is being cut and just holds steady without accelerating... kind of a vibrating stumble as soon as it hits that point. this is under full boost and all. In 2nd gear, this handicap kicks in at about 4000RPM... pulls hard and then instantly gets a choke hold at 4000 RPM. Maintains boost but barely accelerates.

However, it cruises just fine... starts and cruises perfectly.... and for awhile it was accelerating fine as well... till the the ice thawed im guessing.

anyone know what this is? will it eventually just dry out after it warms up and has a chance to evaporate? I did this yesterday... and figured after it sat for a night it would be fine... and it was for awhile... but after about 30 mins of driving... the gimp came back right when i was racing a cavalier... go figure

[Marc93lx]

Check the spark plug holes first. I did the same thing once and there was water in there.

[elscotto80]

Me too. Ran like complete ass.

[CBlaze]

I had almost the exact same symptoms as you, only it being summertime they were apparent right at start-up...if it started at all! I had some water blow by the rubber gasket of the distributer after an engine pressure wash, where it accumulated into a gunk which was not helping with the propper flow of electrical current. I took out and fully cleaned my distributer by wiping it down and blowing compressed air through it. ...and my problems were solved!
Hope to have helped, good luck with your problem.

* my car was not boosted.

[GTScort]

Thanks guys.

Turns out it was my spark plugs. I pulled them out... gave them a little cleaning and now she's running like a champ again.

Plus with this cold ass weather its boosting 11psi... stock wastegate setting.. gotta love it