At what water depth will the engine take in water?
2 Answers
Water entering the engine can occur at a depth of 20 cm. Here are the relevant details: 1. Ways water enters the engine: First, due to the low position of the engine intake pipe entrance, water can be sucked into the engine when the vehicle is fording. Second, if the exhaust outlet is below the waterline, water can be drawn into the engine through the exhaust pipe during fording. 2. Consequences of water entering the engine: The engine will inevitably stall after taking in water. Since water in the cylinders lacks lubricating properties, attempting to restart the engine blindly after stalling may lead to severe cylinder damage, resulting in engine failure.
I've been driving for over ten years. Once during heavy rain, I drove into a flooded area where the water reached halfway up the wheels, about 30-40 cm deep. The engine suddenly gasped and then stalled. Later, the mechanic told me that the air intake for most regular sedans is positioned at about half the wheel height, making it easy for water to enter the engine once it reaches that level. The key issue is driving too fast or splashing water too high, which can lead to water ingress if the seals aren't tight. As a result, I had to spend thousands on an engine overhaul. The advice is not to force your way through if you see deep water; it's better to detour or wait for the water to recede, as safety comes first. I remember a friend who encountered floodwater on the highway—just 25 cm deep was enough to do the car in, rendering it a total loss. Before driving through water, observe the water level; generally, it's relatively safe if it doesn't exceed halfway up the wheels, but don't take unnecessary risks.
