1956 won't start after pressure washing it

[budira]

I have a newly acquired 56 which had a bad rear main so the first thing I did was replace the rear main. After getting it back from the maintenance shop I noticed that the whole car was undercoated withgease and dirt from the previously bad rear main seal, and so I pressure washed the entire underneath and engine compartment. I let it dry overnight and tried to start it the starter engaged momemtarily and then nothing. Battery still has 12.6 volts but it is like the ignition is dead. Does anyone have any suggestion where I should start? I realize I am responding a 2020 post.

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[Tom Alpers]

I have a newly acquired 56 which had a bad rear main so the first thing I did was replace the rear main. After getting it back from the maintenance shop I noticed that the whole car was undercoated withgease and dirt from the previously bad rear main seal, and so I pressure washed the entire underneath and engine compartment. I let it dry overnight and tried to start it the starter engaged momemtarily and then nothing. Battery still has 12.6 volts but it is like the ignition is dead. Does anyone have any suggestion where I should start? I realize I am responding a 2020 post.

Your description is confusing. Is it the starter which spins the engine that's not working (dead) or is it the ignition (that makes the spark) that is not working (dead). Or something else.

 

[Ira Rager]

Your description is confusing. Is it the starter which spins the engine that's not working (dead) or is it the ignition (that makes the spark) that is not working (dead). Or something else.

The starter does not turn nor is there a click from the solenoid nor do the lights work. I did find a burned out mini glass fuse in the headlight assembly, but have not been able to find a replacement in the auto parts stores nearby. I ordered a bag on the net. It is 1/4 by 7/8 inches long and is a 15 amp rating. Will wait a few day for shipment to try a new fuse.

 

[Tom Alpers]

As I recall, that fuse is only for the dash lights. If no click from the solenoid, it could be a bad solenoid. Or could be bad wiring, connections, etc. You can test some of that will a voltmeter. You can also test the starter by using one jumper cable to jump the two large lugs on the solenoid. If you jump them the starter should engage... Pull the ignition wire from the coil to the distributor off to make sure the car wont start or otherwise make sure if it does start it won't run over you. You can also test the solenoid and starter by jumping a wire from the battery plus terminal to the S terminal on the solenoid. If the solenoid is good that should activate the starter.

 

[bmac1060]

It is probably not a coincidence that the headlights stopped working at the same time the solenoid and starter became inoperable.
Start at the basics. Remove and clean both battery post connections. Also check the (-) ground connection at the engine block as well as at the connection to the Chassis/body.
It could be that simple.