How to Confirm Water in the Engine?
4 Answers
Engine water inspection methods are as follows: 1. Check the engine oil: The simplest way to confirm water in the engine is to check if the color of the engine oil is abnormal. If the oil turns milky white, it indicates water in the fuel tank or engine. 2. Check each pipe for water: Inspect the air filter and the lower housing of the air filter for obvious signs of water ingress, and check the intake pipe and intake manifold for clear traces of water. 3. Check the spark plugs: Remove the spark plugs of each cylinder and check if they are wet. If wet, it indicates signs of water in the engine. 4. Check the engine cylinder walls for carbon deposits: When the engine is working normally, the position of each piston reaching the top dead center is the same, and the top dead center position on the cylinder wall is clear; when water enters the engine, because water is difficult to compress, the piston cannot reach the original top dead center position, the piston stroke becomes shorter, and the top dead center position will have a noticeable downward shift.
I have quite a bit of driving experience. Last time when driving through a large puddle in the rain, the engine suddenly stalled and wouldn't start no matter what. I quickly checked the dipstick and found water droplets mixed with the engine oil as soon as I pulled it out, clearly indicating water ingress. Then I looked at the air filter, which was soaking wet and severely deformed. This meant water had already seeped into the engine through the intake. Never attempt to force-start the engine under such circumstances, or you risk piston and cylinder damage. I immediately turned off the engine, called a tow truck, and sent the car to the repair shop. The technician said it was salvageable after cleaning, but the repair cost several thousand. The lesson learned: always perform a quick self-check of fluid conditions and filters after driving through water. Especially on rainy days, safe driving is paramount—avoid challenging deep water areas. Additionally, regular maintenance can reduce risks, such as checking if the seals are aging.
As a novice driver, I'm quite cautious. When suspecting water in the engine, follow these simple three steps: First, stop the engine and do not attempt to restart it. Second, open the hood and check if the air filter is wet or shows water marks; if it's wet, water may have entered. Third, use the dipstick to check the engine oil. If you find a milky, cloudy appearance or separation, that's a definite sign of water intrusion. This situation is quite common when driving in rainy weather. I encountered it once when the oil turned white, so I stopped immediately. The consequence was a major engine overhaul – don't delay. Before driving through water, always check the depth or install a wading sensor as an assist. Putting safety first saves trouble.
Driving safety cannot be ignored. If the engine is confirmed to have taken in water, stopping the vehicle immediately is a must. When checking, I look for abnormal white smoke from the exhaust pipe, indicating water evaporation. Or open the oil cap; if you see milky white foam, that means water has mixed with the oil. If this issue is not addressed promptly, it could lead to minor engine failure at best or cause a fire accident at worst. Do not attempt to move the vehicle; call for professional help instead. Preventing water-related accidents can protect you and your family. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
