Radiator Flush - Now what did I do wrong?

[joelbert2k]

The spark plug socket is 13/16". You can get those at wallyworld if everyplace else is closed. Also you'll need a 6" extension and a universal joint for #4. It can be taken out without the u-joint but it is easier. When putting the plug back in be very careful that you don't cross tread it.
Joel
By the way, I really like the dash

[fiasco]

The oil level appeared to be the same as it was last time I checked it (about a week ago). If it has changed any, it is only a very small amount.

Matt & Joel, thanks for your input as well. I'll go pick up the necessary sockets (Walmart - good tip - open 24/7) and get back into it tomorrow morning.

Also (there's always more) I pulled the plug wire off of #1 to check my socket, and when I did it looked to me like the end of the wire was missing something. I'm thinking that there's a metal clip thing that is supposed to be on the end of the wire, but it appears that it is stuck on the end of the plug. I pulled the wire from #2 and it came off the same way.


So have I ruined these two wires by pulling them off in some incorrect way, or are they crappy wires that shouldn't come apart when pulled off the plug, or am I just showing my automotive ignorance again?

Thanks again.
-- se

[TulsaSpider]

I just had the same thing happen to me. The wires were only a couple of months old, They were Beck Arnley, so I won't be buying those again! I just re-crimped the ends on as best I could for the time being.

[joelbert2k]

Steve,
It looks like you are correct and you do or did have a set of crappy plug wires. Might as well get a good set while your out of commission. The correct way to pull a plug wire off is to grasp in down low about where that piece is that pulled off is located. That is nearly impossible to do on our cars. The best you car do is get as far down as possible.
Joel

[manoa matt]

I know Mr. Bouse won't like this, but harbor freight has spark blug boot pliers for about $3.

[TulsaSpider]

The fact that your oil level didn't change is a good sign!

[So Cal Mark]

since water was coming out of the exhaust, there is a chance water got into the cylinders. Turning the engine over without the spark plugs will blow the water out. If the motor was running the whole time the water was on, probably not much would get into the oil.

[rlux4]

Clark and Mark are right. Hey! That rhymes.
Anyway, if you had too much water in the cylinders the car not only wouldn't run, but because water can't be compressed it wouldn't have been able to turn over. So you're probably OK once you get some good wires on her. The rubber boot has a tendency to stick to the ceramic of the plug, so it's a good practice to twist the boot back and forth to get it broken loose before you pull it off the plug.
Do as Mark says though, pull the plugs and crank the engine. That will blow out any water that's left in there. There may not be much left, because it should have been blown out the exhaust valves when you ran it.
The main thing is: get it fixed before the Superbowl trot!
Ron

[fiasco]

When you say 'pull the plugs and turn the engine over', do you mean that I should take out the spark plugs and 'start' it, allowing the starter to turn the engine over, thus pushing the water out through the spark plug holes as the pistons go up and down?

Just want to be sure I've got it all straight.

-- se

[htchevyii]

exactly!

[So Cal Mark]

yes crank it over with plugs out with the starter. Afterwards, clean off the windshield or lay towels over the valley to absorb the water.
Ron, water doesn't compress and that's why the engine can hydraulic with cylinders full of fluid. You can bend a connecting rod when that happens if you crank it with the starter

[rlux4]

That's what I thought I said Mark. It could be my syntax was confusing. Because water can't be compressed, it would stop the engine from being able to turn over. Or, as you say, damage a rod trying to turn over.
Ron

[fiasco]

Took the plugs out this morning. Turned the engine via the alternator per Matt's suggestion and inspected each cylinder. I did not find any moisture in any of the cylinders, which I am feeling good about. I'm still deciding whether to go get new plugs and wires, so I haven't started it back up again - I'll report again when I take her out on the road.

Now, before I pump any more water into anything, THIS is the correct placement of the Rad. Flush T, correct?


Thanks,
-- se

[manoa matt]

Thats where it goes, sounds like you dodged a bullet there Steve. Hook the hose up there and install the plugs in the bottom of the radiatior and block. Let the water come out the top of the rad for a few minutes, then remove the lower rad plug and let it come out there for a few minutes, reinstall the rad plug, then let it come out the block plug for a few minutes. This should let the water follow slightly different paths and dislodge more gunk.

[So Cal Mark]

when you repair or replace the spark plug wires buy a packet of dielectric grease. Coat the inside of the boots, that will ensure the plug wires can be removed without damage. And get in the habit of twisting the boot before pulling on it