Is it serious if a diesel engine is flooded with water?
2 Answers
Diesel engines flooded with water require immediate repair. Here is an introduction to the causes of water entering a diesel engine: 1. Poor protection and storage of the unit: Rain or other reasons cause water to enter the engine cylinder through the exhaust pipe. 2. Damaged cylinder gasket or cylinder liner water seal: Water from the water passages in the cylinder enters the oil passages and then flows into the oil pan. The radiator water level has high pressure, causing water to seep into the oil passages along the outer wall of the cylinder liner. 3. Damaged water pump seal: This can allow water to enter the oil pipes. 4. Cracks in the engine cylinder block or cylinder head: Sudden cooling or freezing can cause cracks in the cylinder block, allowing water to flow in through the cracks.
If a diesel engine gets flooded with water, you really need to handle it with extreme caution. I remember one time when my own car got waterlogged—it was raining and the roads were slippery, and the engine almost got totaled. The biggest fear with water in a diesel engine is if it gets into the cylinders. If you force-start the engine, the cylinder pressure can become too high, potentially bending the connecting rods, and the repair costs can be astronomical. Even if you don’t start it, the electronic components and wiring are prone to short circuits and rust, which could mean replacing the entire engine system. My advice is to avoid touching the engine immediately and instead call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. The shop will typically disassemble, dry, and clean the components, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. When driving normally, try to avoid flooded areas, and installing additional sealing protection parts can also help reduce the risk.
