Car wont start after washing engine?

I bought this car a week ago from a friend, car started and drove fine. I went to clean it up, and washed the engine. I then drove it around for the next couple of hours, starting and stopping as normal. However, the next day the car would no longer start. IT attempts to start, but feels like there is no gas. We got the engine to start for a few moments with starter fluid, this leads me to believe it is a fuel problem. I did change the fuel filter, which was extremely dirty, but it did not help. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get the car up and going again? Did this happen because I washed engine, or is it a big coincidence? The previous owner stated that it was doing the same to him, but he bought a new battery and it solved the problem. I got a full charge on the battery and still nothing. Any help and advice would be appreciated.