Can Water in a Car Engine Cause Cylinder Block Cracking?
2 Answers
Water entering a car engine can indeed cause the cylinder block to crack. When a vehicle is driven through deep water, water entering the engine can bend the connecting rods under pressure. During subsequent high-speed operation, these rods may fatigue and break, with severe cases leading to immediate breakage. The broken connecting rods can then damage the engine cylinder block. For an engine that has taken in water but hasn't been restarted, the solution involves completely disassembling the engine, thoroughly cleaning all components, replacing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, cylinder gasket, and then reassembling it. However, for an engine that has taken in water and was restarted, causing cylinder damage, a complete disassembly, cleaning, and replacement of damaged parts such as the piston connecting rod assembly, crankshaft, mid-engine block, or even the entire engine may be necessary. Additionally, replacing the cylinder block or engine requires updating the information records at the vehicle management office.
To be honest, after driving for over a decade, I've encountered several instances of engine hydro-lock. This can actually lead to cylinder block cracking. Think about it - if you're driving through floodwater during heavy rain and water enters the engine combustion chamber, the pistons can normally compress air, but water? It's incompressible. The sudden pressure spike can bend connecting rods or even crack the cylinder block. Once I plowed through deep water and nearly totaled my engine - luckily I didn't try to restart it. My advice: avoid puddles during rainy days, park on higher ground, and regularly check air filters for blockage. If water does get in, immediately turn off the engine and call a tow truck. Repairs cost at least thousands - don't risk it to save money.
