Can You Start the Engine If Water Enters the Exhaust Pipe?
3 Answers
If only a small amount of water enters the exhaust pipe, you can still start the engine; however, if a large amount of water enters the exhaust pipe, it is advisable not to start the engine. A significant amount of water in the exhaust pipe can cause the engine to stall. If you attempt to start the engine under such conditions, it may lead to deformation of the engine connecting rod or even cylinder puncture. The exhaust pipe is a device designed to reduce vibration and noise, facilitate installation, and extend the lifespan of the exhaust muffler system. It is installed between the engine exhaust manifold and the muffler, providing a flexible connection for the entire exhaust system. Exhaust pipes are primarily used in light vehicles, compact cars, buses, motorcycles, and similar vehicles.
Bro, I've seen too many tragedies of hydrolocked engines. Once worked on an SUV where the owner tried starting it after the exhaust got submerged – ended up with bent connecting rods from hydraulic lock, costing over 10k in repairs. When running, intake valves open allowing water backflow into cylinders. Pistons can't compress water, causing seizure and potential internal damage. My advice? Never risk cranking it. Get the car to dry ground first to assess water drainage. If you're handy, removing spark plugs to manually purge water works, but towing to a shop is safest. Safety first – don't cut corners and wreck your engine.
I'm older now and remember driving through water when I was younger. Water got into the exhaust pipe, and when I started the engine, there was a loud crack—I regretted it terribly. The mechanic explained that water entering the combustion chamber acted like a wall, jamming the piston movement and causing parts to break. A friend with a similar experience spent a fortune on repairs. Since then, I've been extra cautious when driving through deep water—I either detour or stop to check that the water level is below the exhaust pipe before proceeding. If water does get in, never start the engine; pushing the car or having it towed is much safer. Preventive measures like installing a snorkel can also help reduce the risk.
