Stupid newbie... I killed my 60 with carb cleaner...

[jhstatts]

I played golf all day and got home to clean my carb... tired and anxious. Oh well, since I am new at all of this, I sprayed a full can into the carb with the engine off. After that I read that you should never do this with the engine off.

Now my wagon won't start. I turn the ignition and just get a clunk... nothing else.

Am I completely screwed or can I get this sorted out?

I know I did a stupid thing... do please be kind (or as close to kind as you can get). I have to get this running again, as I need it tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

[fsusteve]

The good news is the inside of the carb is prolly really clean, the bad news I'm not sure, a whole can is a lot.

Some will evaporate, I would prolly consider taking the carb off and trying to dry it out and mop up what you can in the intake and let that air out too. The clunk doesn't make sense, I would think it would at least turn over since you didn't run it into the motor after you sprayed it in. But try and clean it up before starting it, could burn a valve or piston if it does start. Is the starter good, cable connections clean and tight?

 

[cahilc]

YO !!!

Carb cleaner is flammable. GOT A FIRE ESTINGUISHER HANDY ???

Every once in a while even at a good shop an engine catches fire. Their equiped to handle it so they put it out real fast. How about U ???

Cahil

cell 240.888.1948 if ya' wanna talk ...

 

[jhstatts]

well, I was going by some advice from the board as far as spraying a full can (actually the advice was for 2 cans). I don't know what to do. I have tried "mopping" up what I could. About to start it again... I will let you know what happens.

Well, the same thing... no starting... just a clunk. It was running great right before this.

 

[fsusteve]

When the motor is running, you can shoot a little at a time in there until it idles up or runs a little rough, do this several times in a row will help clean it out. A can or two is a little over the top, you either should be rebuilding the carb or using something like Seafoam.

Is the starter engaging at all (ie turning the flywheel)? If it was the carb, it should at least turn over, unless and I really doubt this, the motor is locked up. Do you have access to compressed air? you can blow out the carb and then check all ignition connections (batt cables, battery, starter).

 

[lovetoski]

getting it to turn over

It sounds like the primary problem right now is to get it to turn over. Make sure that the battery terminals are clean - as this can prevent the battery from providing enough juice to engage the starter. If you are good to in that department, then maybe pulling the spark plugs will allow you to turn over the engine. I'm not sure what else to try right now.

 

[jhstatts]

Hmmm. I am not sure what to tell you guys. The battery cables are not the problem (as far as being loose), but I am going to try to clean them and see what happens.

The truck ran like a champ minutes before the spray-down.

I was talking to Cahil on the phone and was trying to explain what the engine was doing, but it is hard to do so. It is not really a clunk, but sound like something trying to engage... then nothing.

I will post back after cleaning the battery terminals.

 

[Doc]

Carb cleaner is combustable, so it's not hydro-locked.

Maybe this is out of left field, but can you get someone to push it with another truck and then pop the clutch in the cruiser? If it won't start after that...........

 

[lovetoski]

Doc, what I was thinking was that if there is enough liquid carb cleaner in a cylinder or two, then it would in effect be hydro locked. Sure it will burn, but you've got to turn over the engine and get a spark for ignition to happen....or am I missing something?

 

[jhstatts]

UPDATE:

Well, I don't know if I let it sit long enough or if re-tightening the (+) battery connector wire (not the connection, but the actual frayed wire leading to the connection) was the fix, but it finally turned over. It was a slow process (tuned over a bit at a time) and I had the extinguisher at the ready, but didn't need it. It smoked a bit, but I think that was due to Sea Foam resisdue. She is running great now, thank God.

Whew!

I feel a million times better.

Cahil... you are the man. Thanks so much for talking to me over the phone. And THANKS to all who gave suggestions. I LOVE you people... each and every one of you.

 

[fsusteve]

That's good, go easy on the carb cleaner

 

[bjowett]

A suggestion, please change your oil now.... very good chance some of that cleaner got down past the rings.

 

[lovetoski]

Jason,

I've had my sorry ass saved so many times by the helpful cruiserheads on this board I can't begin to count the number, so I really understand your relieve and gratitude!

Starting takes a lot of amperage, so make sure the get that frayed cable fixed soon.

Best Regards,

 

[sand_box81]

I'd pull the plugs and see if will turn over. (fire extinguisher)

 

[sand_box81]

I should read all the posts first huhh

 

[jhstatts]

Sand_box... Thanks, anyway.

Yeah, I am relieved... can't really express how much. I just knew I was going to blow my engine to pieces. Oh well, we live and learn. I won't be doing that again.

 

[brian]

A suggestion, please change your oil now.... very good chance some of that cleaner got down past the rings.

this would be a VERY good idea, BEFORE you drive it any distance.
key word is CLEANER, there is a *chance* that it could have broken the oil down. being a cleaner and the whole, whole can thing in to a non runing motor......

 

[jhstatts]

bjowett and brian...

Yep. Cahil had mentioned that on the phone as well. I am planning on changing it sometime this week... so far, it has only been to work and back (about 3 miles round trip). Thanks!