Can a Diesel Engine Still Be Used After Water Intake?
2 Answers
Diesel engines cannot continue to be used after water intake. Below are the specific impacts of water entering a diesel engine: 1. Cylinder Block Damage: Since water cannot be compressed like gas, the engine's piston movement during operation can cause the connecting rods to bend or break. If the air filter is severely flooded, the broken connecting rod may be ejected and pierce the cylinder block, damaging the vehicle. 2. Explosion Risk: If water accidentally enters the car engine, it increases intake resistance and fills the combustion chamber, preventing the spark plugs from igniting. Attempting to restart the engine under these conditions can easily lead to cylinder explosion.
Last year during a heavy rainstorm, I drove through a deep water area and the engine stalled. Foolishly, I tried to restart it, which completely destroyed the engine. The mechanic said diesel engines are most afraid of a secondary start after water intake—compressing water with the piston is like hitting a wall, which can bend the connecting rod or even crack the engine block. When towed to the repair shop and disassembled, the engine was full of rusty water, costing over ten thousand to replace the crankshaft and pistons. Now I always detour around standing water. If water accidentally gets in, the first step is to disconnect the battery and call a professional tow truck—never turn the key.
