Hi everyone,
 
So for one of my jobs over the Christmas break I decided to wash the engine bay on my SW20. But now it is running rough.
 
I covered the alternator and all electrical connection points in plastic wrap. I did not cover the distributor cap or ignition leads. I sprayed the engine with degreaser, then scrubbed it with a sponge using soapy water. Finally I sprayed the whole engine down using the garden hose (ordinary tap pressure, not high pressure).
 
The engine started first time, no problem. But when going for a drive to blow/evaporate dry the rest of the engine it is now running rough. There is a loss of power under acceleration. Even at constant velocity it shudders a bit. At idle the engine shakes noticeably and the exhaust has a deep rumbling sound. I think one of the cylinders is not firing.
 
Can anyone advise what the problem might be and how I could fix it?
 
Thanks
 
Dwaine

"I did not cover the distributor cap or ignition leads"
That is probably where the problem is.
Maybe pull the plug leads, and check for water in the wells.
Perhaps also pull the wires from the dist cap and let it all dry out. 
 
 

Yeah the dizzy and plug leads are known for having this problem.

I agree with the others you probably have water in the distributor.  I would take the distributor cap off and dry it out.
 
Cheers

Thanks guys. I have pulled the leads ends off and will let to dry overnight. Will let you know how it goes.

Yup, I used to gen water in the spark plug holes, but also water in the distributor is a problem. Give it a day or 2 and you'll find it running like before.

All fixed. There was water in the number 4 spark plug well. I mopped it up with some paper towel and a long screwdriver, then got the wife's hair dryer. Now I am back to Toyota silky smoothness.

Hello Dwaine,
I had the exact same problem after doing the same thing as you. I had water part way up the spark plugs! I used fragments of old towels to jam down and soak up the water. Drying out your plug leads and dist cap is a must.

An air compressor with a long air nozzle does the trick.

isn't this why they steam clean now?