How Long Can a Repaired Water-Damaged Engine Last?
2 Answers
Generally, a repaired water-damaged engine can last for 4-5 years without issues. Detailed explanations are as follows: 1. When the damage is minor: The lifespan of the repaired engine depends on the extent of damage. If the engine only suffered water ingress without actual damage, it simply requires removing the spark plugs to drain the water and replacing the engine oil and coolant. In this case, the engine itself remains unaffected and can last as long as a normal car. 2. When the damage is severe: If water enters the cylinders along with the engine, the situation becomes complicated. Water in the cylinders can cause connecting rods to bend or even break, potentially damaging the engine block. In such cases, it's hard to predict the outcome as the engine needs to be disassembled to replace the connecting rods or even the entire block. The durability of the repaired engine is uncertain and depends on the quality of repairs and replacement parts. If the engine is carefully repaired after water damage, it can still function normally. However, if the parts are of poor quality or the repair work is subpar, the engine may develop problems during future use.
My car had its engine flooded last year, but it was repaired and has been running perfectly fine for over a year now. It happened during a heavy rainstorm when I drove through a deep puddle, causing the car to stall and get towed to the shop. The technician said water had entered the cylinders, which was quite troublesome. They disassembled it for a thorough cleaning, replaced the connecting rods and several seals, costing quite a bit of money. The key is the extent of water ingress and the repair method—mine was relatively shallow. If properly maintained post-repair, the engine’s lifespan is largely unaffected. Now, I change the oil every 5,000 km and check for any milky discoloration in the oil to avoid high-speed water crossings. Generally, a well-repaired engine can last another 50,000 to 100,000 km, while severe flooding may halve that, but driving normally for three to four years shouldn’t be an issue. Just stick to regular maintenance to prevent secondary problems.
