BOOM!! not POOF

[moonjo]

Last week my 98 expy decides to just die and not start. (new coil pack #4 and new plugs and boots all around few weeks ago all was great) It died as I was trying to back into my driveway.. I put it in reverse and it died. I kept trying to start it, no luck, like it wasn't getting any fire. Ford mech, that is an acquaintance says to spray carb cleaner in it.. to check the fuel pump, did that, still no start.

I got the bright idea to just unhook the battery and let it sit awhile. When I reconnected the battery, turned the truck over.. BOOM! So loud my neighbors came running outside asking if everyone was ok. scary. Smoke rolled out from the motor. No actual fire (just my luck) Just a very loud BOOM and white smoke.

So, Is it dead? Any ideas? As with any car trouble, Id rather attempt to fix it myself as to deal with the dealers.

[TBIRD430]

That is CRAZY!!! Were exactly did the engine smoke come from? Underhood, exhaust?

[phantom_smack]

How much carb cleaner did spray in it?Sounds like it backfired.you really need to check for fuel pressure witha gauge .

[moonjo]

Thanks for the replies, Phantom_smack, You were dead on with that number 4 plug, believe it or not that was the easy one! But then I have little woman hands


The smoke and boom came from the motor, the best I can describe is near the injectors on the passenger side.

Was not a lot of carb cleaner but it did pool up some in the air filter casing, thats how the guy said to do it. I didn't like the idea at all, but.. figured he is a ford mechanic so gave it a go. I don't think that hurt anything, But I do think it was a huge factor in the backfire. As far as I could tell, noting came from the exhaust. it didn't stink or anything like that.

Of course I am lost yet again, Not knowing why it wouldn't start to begin with and now wonder what else is fried since the explosion.

[tbizzle]

no cel codes?

[Daniel_Lee]

excuse my french but i would of been scared shitless ive had that happen before but my i cant spell this word catylic converter rusted from the inside out and got the engine all clogged and it back fired maybe the carb cleaner clogged it up by the air filter where the mechanic told you to spray dont listen to me that much im considerably new at this

[Charlie]

My friend did the same thing with his S-10. His hood was open, and a flame shot out his intake (the explosion blasted the intake off)
It sounded like somebody fired off a 10 gauge from the engine bay.