Can the engine be started after being flooded twice?
4 Answers
Engine flooded twice cannot be started. The function of the engine is: to convert the heat energy of gasoline into mechanical energy by burning and expanding the gas in a sealed cylinder, thereby pushing the piston to do work. The components of the engine are: 1. Valve train; 2. Crank and connecting rod mechanism; 3. Ignition system; 4. Cooling system; 5. Lubrication system; 6. Supply system. The maintenance methods for the engine are: 1. Use qualified engine oil; 2. Use qualified coolant and antifreeze; 3. Regularly clean the scale in the radiator; 4. Regularly clean the carbon deposits in the engine; 5. Regularly replace the three filters of the car; 6. Maintain a reasonable engine speed.
I remember one rainy day when my car drove through a deep puddle and water got into the engine. I tried starting it once and almost destroyed the entire engine. Fortunately, I turned it off in time and had it towed for repairs. If water enters the engine twice, you must never attempt to start it again because water in the cylinders is incompressible. When you try to start it, the pistons can get blocked and jammed, causing the connecting rods to bend or break, and internal parts to rust. After two instances of water ingress, the situation worsens—there may be residual water and rust inside, and attempting to start the engine will multiply the damage. At best, repairs could cost over ten thousand, and at worst, the engine could be completely ruined. My advice is to immediately turn off the engine, remove the key, and avoid taking risks. Call for a tow truck and have it taken to a professional repair shop for inspection and cylinder cleaning. When driving, try to avoid waterlogged areas and make it a habit to check tire treads regularly. Don’t wait until water gets in to regret it—safety first!
I learned this from a mechanic buddy: if water gets into the engine, never attempt to start it. After one water ingress, there might be water stains in the cylinders; after two more instances, the water seeps deeper, and attempting to start it can snap the connecting rods, destroying the entire engine. The principle is simple: water is much harder to compress than air. When the piston moves upward, it can get stuck, like smashing an egg with a hammer. I personally experienced driving through heavy rain and water entering the engine. I resisted the urge to start it, towed it to the repair shop, and spent time cleaning the internals, saving a fortune. If water enters twice, the risks are even greater. First, check if the ignition system is wet or if any fuses are blown, but ultimately, towing is the solution—don’t gamble with safety for a quick fix. Using recirculation mode with the AC can reduce moisture intake, and developing a habit of driving slowly in the rain ensures safety.
I overheard my neighbor talking about their car getting flooded twice and attempting to start it, which resulted in the engine being totaled and costing a fortune to repair. The key point is never to start an engine after it's been flooded, especially after two incidents, as the risk is extremely high. Water entering the cylinders can cause the pistons to seize, damaging internal components, and may even lead to spark plug short circuits and smoke. Two flooding incidents mean more residual water and rust, and attempting to start the engine will only accelerate the disaster. For safety, immediately turning off the engine and towing the vehicle is crucial—don't delay. In the workshop, the cylinder block should be disassembled and inspected first, removing any moisture and rust traces, and replacing any necessary parts. For prevention, it's best to avoid driving through deep water, monitor the water level warning lights, and stop immediately if any issues arise.
