Water in spark plug well

[HuntingtonSpider]

I stupidly cleaned my engine yesterday and there was some water pooled at the bottom of the spark plug wells. When I started the car it sounded terrible and ran like a bucking bronco. I immediately turned it off and discovered the water in the wells and some water that snuck in the air filter, although i had covered it when cleaning. What can I do now? I read about possibly pulling the plugs and starting the engine to blow out any water left, any one tried this? Did I just do major damage to the engine?

[So Cal Mark]

use an air nozzle and blow the excess water out

[engineerted]

I have used a shop vac many a times; it is also good practice if you are going to pull the plugs. It is amazing how much crap finds it way into and around those spark plugs.

[grittracing]

had the same problem only mine was a coolant leak that killed my motor at 4 am on the way home from work. and required a tow bill. and new plugs . but i know alays carry a spare shop towel to fry the water out of the well and a can of electrical cleaner. as for the air filter the air hose works great .

[wikkid]

As Mark said, air works best, both prior to removing plugs to blow out gunk that would fall into your plug holes, and also to blow the water out of there after washing.

[HuntingtonSpider]

Thanks guys. I love how I post this at 7am and check back 15 minutes later and have 3 replies already.

[azruss]

I dont get it. your plugs should be tight enough to not leak compression, it should be tight enough to not pass water. my guess is you have wet ignition parts and need drying out. As stated above, it is always worth cleaning the canyons before pulling the plugs. My method is low pressure air with an absorbent towel over the top. I no longer pressure wash, but squirt bottle the compartment with a biodegradable degreaser and then hose that off with light pressure. Also seal off with plastic bags, air cleaner, dizzy, etc.

[wikkid]

Azruss is right - generic orange-colored cleaner works, as does simple green. I like to let the products do the work, with some light brushing, instead of pressure washing, which will push water into places you don't want it - no matter how hard you try to protect things.

[HuntingtonSpider]

Thanks for the help guys! After blowing all the water I could that was in the well out with a shop vac and waiting a while, the car started up as normal, blew a little smoke and is running great. I don't believe the water was seeping through the plugs, I'm hoping it was just a little water in the carb.