Frersh Wash, No Start. WTF?!

[Redcoupe864+3]

Just finished washing the '86 coupe. Get in, turn key..nothing. No crank, no lights, no nothing. Completely dead. I thought this kind of thing went out with plastic bags on the carb and British sports cars. Guessing I inadvertently shorted out something (I'm not exactly Electrical Man, by the way). Oh, and it's a brand-spankin' new battery. Anybody gone through this after washing? Ideas?

Thanks Much!

[c4cruiser]

Being a brand new battery and absolutely no power to anything, I would first look at the battery ground cable where it attaches to the battery. There's always a possibiltity that the installer may have stripped the threads on the bolt and there is not enough contact between the terminal and the cable. Also check the positive cable for tightness.

The hood should have protected all of the electrical components from water so I would not think that water is the culprit. And fortunately, Lucas Electrics stayed on the other side of the pond....

[Ripp 76]

How do the cables on the battery look? Any corrosion? They might need a good cleaning.

[DRTH VTR]

Did you wash the engine compartment?

Do the 86's have a VATS system? Did you try restarting after several minutes? Do you have lights and horns? (the vette....not YOU)


Len

[Redcoupe864+3]

Thanks for all the replies, guys. Went out to dinner, back after about 90 minutes. Got IP and interior lights, but no cranking power. Decided to check the battery terminals. Negative seemed to be loose. Tightened it up, and guess what. Right the first time. My own fault, since I was the installer.

Didn't wash the engine, by the way. And for nyernga: You bet. VATS was in fact introduced on the '86. Kinda wondered myself at first whether it might've been the culprit. Much appreciation for everybody's help. Continually amazed and delighted at the willingness of Vette owners to help each other out!

--Al A-S

Oh, and for C4cruiser: Remember: Joe Lucas says, "Don't go out at night!"