"A general rule of attack, though, is not to adjust something that could not possibly have caused the problem - such as the mechanical mixture control. Now, in addition, you have a screwed-up mixture adjustment that will only add to the complexity of solving the problem."

Can this be printed right on the air cleaner of every car please! A big sticker which says

WARNING: Do not touch anything you do not understand or you will be adding to the complexity of solving the problem for those that do understand.

Look at things, check for bad contacts and replace the connectors, look at things others suggest but DO NOT just flit about adjusting things, the pressure washer could not have turned the adjuster you decided to mess with could it? Think about what you are doing and you will lower your frustration and expense (and the frustration of your mechanic).

When teaching people how to tune-up thier car I always suggest that they do one thing at a time and test. Replace one plug at a time and when the plugs are done, start the car. If it runs, go ahead and repalce the cap and rotor, then start the car, if it runs go on. In this way you only have to backtrack one step to find the fault rather than changing everything then discovering that you have an issue and having to check everything from the beginning.

Chris

__________________
******************************
1971 Porsche 911 Targa RSR rep.
1968 BMW R60/2
1981 BMW R80GS-PD, dual plugs, 1000cc jugs, 10 gal "Gaston" tank.
1982 BMW R80GS-PD, duplicate of above.
1988 Neoplan/Mercedes 40' Bus
2002 SLK32 AMG
2013 Smart Electric