Is it okay if the engine stalls in water without a second ignition attempt?
2 Answers
Engine stalling in water without a second ignition attempt may or may not cause damage. If water hasn't entered the engine, there will be no damage; if water has entered, it will cause damage. Once the vehicle stalls in water, never attempt to restart it. Water enters through the intake pipe to the resonator box, then to the air filter, and finally into the engine. Once water enters the engine, it can instantly cause operational failure, leading to the vehicle stalling. If you accidentally encounter flooding while driving, the owner should immediately turn off the engine. Below are methods to handle a vehicle after encountering water: 1. Drive through slowly in a low gear: When driving through flooded areas, use a low gear and proceed slowly. Areas with waves and whirlpools likely have large rocks or other obstacles, while calm water surfaces usually indicate deeper water—both should be avoided. 2. Ideal spots for driving through: Open water surfaces with uniform small waves usually indicate shallow water with gravel, making them ideal spots for driving through.
I once drove through a waterlogged area on a rainy day, and my car suddenly stalled. I remembered not to randomly restart the engine and immediately stopped to call a tow truck. At the repair shop, they found water had entered the air filter, triggering the engine's automatic protection shutdown. Cleaning the filter and intake pipes cost a bit, but it prevented major damage. Had I tried to restart, water could have been forced into the cylinders, causing 'hydrolock' and damaging the pistons, potentially ruining the entire engine. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the weather forecast during the rainy season and avoid deep water. The towing fee plus repairs cost a few hundred, but considering the potential engine damage could have easily exceeded tens of thousands, not restarting saved my wallet. Still, getting it towed for inspection ASAP is the best move.
