Can a Water-Submerged Engine Vehicle Still Operate Normally?
2 Answers
It is best not to continue driving after the engine has been submerged in water. If the vehicle stalls during water crossing, do not attempt to restart it. Restarting the engine under such conditions can lead to three possible scenarios: 1. Air filter water ingress: In this case, the vehicle may still be drivable. Water entering the air filter can cause the engine to draw in some water into the intake tract, forming water vapor. This vapor mixes with gasoline and burns completely, having minimal impact on the engine. 2. Minor water ingress: If a small amount of water enters the engine, it mixes with the engine oil, degrading its quality. Oil contaminated with water increases wear on engine components, potentially leading to increased engine noise and vibration in the future. 3. Piston seizure: Since water cannot be compressed, its entry into the cylinders while the engine is running at high speed can prevent compression during the power stroke. This directly results in bent valves and connecting rods, seized pistons, severe cylinder wear, and a bent crankshaft. In such cases, it is crucial to replace the engine oil as soon as possible.
Last year during a heavy rainstorm, my car stalled while crossing a deep water area. After towing it to the repair shop and disassembling the engine, we found the connecting rods were bent. Water entering the intake pipe is a disaster for the engine—unlike air, water cannot be compressed by the pistons, leading directly to internal component deformation. The real headache is the electrical system; waterlogged ABS sensors, oxygen sensors, and other electronic components are like rusty batteries—they might work for two months before suddenly failing. The mechanic warned that even after expensive repairs, such a car could unexpectedly stall on the highway at any moment. So, I decisively had the insurance company process it as a total loss. The hidden dangers of a repaired car like this are far more severe than they appear, with safety ratings plummeting below the floor.
