How Long Does It Take for an Engine to Be Damaged by Adding Saltwater to the Fuel Tank?
3 Answers
Thousands of kilometers later, the engine will be completely ruined. Salt has severe corrosive effects on bearings and piston rings, while sugar dissolves in the engine oil, increasing its viscosity, reducing lubrication, and causing damage to moving parts such as bearings and pistons. It is necessary to drain the oil immediately, flush the engine interior once, and then replace it with new oil. If the duration is short, the damage will not be significant. Below is some related information about water entering the engine: 1. Significant water ingress into the engine: If a considerable amount of water enters the engine but does not affect normal driving, though the noise is louder, it may indicate a small amount of water in the oil or fuel, requiring an oil change and cleaning of related engine components. 2. Reasons for a car stalling in water: Water entering the distributor cap can disrupt normal ignition function, while water in the engine's air filter increases intake resistance and leads to water entering the combustion chamber, preventing the spark plugs from igniting. Restarting the engine under these conditions can easily cause a hydro lock.
About adding saltwater to the fuel tank, I have a personal experience to share: Last summer, a neighbor accidentally poured salt-mixed water into the fuel tank. The car didn’t go far—just about a kilometer or two—before it suddenly stalled. When trying to restart it, there was only a choking sound, and it wouldn’t start no matter what. After taking it to the repair shop, they found that the salt had directly corroded the fuel pump and filter, and the fuel injectors were rusted and clogged. The mechanic said saltwater triggers electrochemical reactions, rapidly accelerating the oxidation of metal parts. The repairs took three whole days, and just replacing the parts cost over 5,000 yuan. So, once it’s added, problems can arise within minutes of starting the car—at best, engine stalling; at worst, the entire fuel system could be ruined. Never try such a foolish trick.
As a long-time car mechanic, I've dealt with too many similar cases. When saltwater enters the fuel tank, the corrosion happens incredibly fast – salt molecules combine with water to dissolve the metal surface's protective layer. Typically, within about ten minutes of driving, the fuel filter gets completely clogged, or the fuel pump jams due to rust. The shortest case I've seen was a car that had saltwater added to its tank and broke down after just five minutes of running. The main culprit of corrosion is chloride, which eats away at the fuel tank, fuel lines, and engine components. If left untreated for a few days, the damage reaches the core, requiring a complete system flush and replacement of numerous parts, making the repair costs absurdly high. My advice is to shut off the engine immediately upon realizing the mistake and call for roadside assistance.
