How to Determine if the Engine Has Taken in Water
2 Answers
Here are the methods to determine if the engine has taken in water: 1. Check the engine oil condition: Normal engine oil colors include light yellow, brown, or transparent colorless, but it is generally not milky white. Use the dipstick to check for the presence of a milky white oil-water mixture. If present, it indicates water has entered the engine. 2. Inspect the air filter: Check the air filter and the lower housing for obvious signs of water ingress. Also, examine the intake pipe and intake manifold for clear traces of water. 3. White smoke from the exhaust pipe: When there is water in the engine fuel or combustion chamber, the heat from combustion turns the water into steam, which exits through the exhaust pipe as white smoke. If white smoke appears after the vehicle has driven through water, it is highly likely that the engine has taken in water.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and judging engine water ingress can be done just by eyes and ears. Right after driving through water, never start the engine immediately; first open the door to check if the carpet is wet—this indirectly reflects the water level. Inspect the dipstick; if the oil turns milky and cloudy, it's definitely water ingress, as the oil-water mixture makes it look like a milkshake. Then check the air filter box—open the lid to see if there's any water or stains; pull out the spark plugs and feel them—if they're wet, it means water has entered. If the engine struggles to start or makes a clunking noise after starting, that's a compression issue caused by water in the cylinders. Tow it to the repair shop promptly for professional equipment to check the compression tester readings. Untreated water ingress leads to bent and rusted connecting rods, and the engine will be completely ruined. Regularly avoid driving through deep puddles and develop the habit of quick visual checks after parking to reduce risks.
