Does Water in the Engine Require Engine Disassembly?
2 Answers
Whether water in the engine requires disassembly depends on the extent of the damage. From a repair perspective, an engine teardown inspection is necessary. Reasons for engine disassembly: Since the extent of engine damage varies, if water enters the engine block, it can typically cause connecting rod deformation. In severe cases, it may damage the engine block, requiring replacement of the cylinder block. Additionally, if the cylinder head valves are also deformed, it is recommended from a repair standpoint to replace the short block, i.e., the complete engine assembly. Cases where engine disassembly is not required: If the vehicle stalls in water and is not restarted, the engine, even if water enters, will not suffer severe damage. After draining the water, the engine will operate normally without any impact, but the engine oil must be replaced.
Last time I drove through water, my car stalled in the water, and it seemed like the engine got flooded. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic immediately suggested opening up the engine to check inside. He explained that once water enters the cylinders, if the lubrication system isn’t disassembled and cleaned, it can easily lead to cylinder scoring and engine failure. I asked a few more questions, and he mentioned that if there’s only a small amount of water near the spark plugs, a partial inspection might suffice. But if the car was submerged past the exhaust pipe or driven through deep water, a full disassembly is best to avoid serious hidden risks. After that experience, I became more cautious about driving, avoiding heavy rain, especially with older cars, and making sure to regularly check waterproofing measures. The repair cost a lot, but it was worth it because the car ran smoothly for many years afterward without any issues.
