What are the methods for checking water ingress in an engine?
3 Answers
Methods for checking water ingress in an engine are as follows: 1. Check the engine oil: The simplest way to detect water in the engine is to check if the color of the oil is abnormal. If the oil turns milky white, it indicates water ingress in the fuel tank or engine. 2. Inspect all pipes for water ingress: Examine 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 from each cylinder and inspect them for moisture. If they are wet, it suggests signs of water ingress in the engine. 4. Inspect the engine cylinder walls for carbon deposits: During normal engine operation, the pistons of each cylinder reach the same top dead center (TDC) position, and the TDC marks on the cylinder walls are clear. When water enters the engine, since water is difficult to compress, the pistons cannot reach their original TDC position, resulting in shorter piston strokes and a noticeable downward shift in the TDC position.
Last time I drove through a puddle on a rainy day, my engine had problems. You need to be very careful when checking for water in the engine. After driving through water, don’t start the car immediately, or the internal parts could be completely damaged. Open the hood and check if the air filter is wet—if it is, there’s definitely a problem. Then check the oil dipstick; if the oil turns milky white or foamy, it means water has mixed in. You can also inspect the spark plugs—if there are water marks on them, they need immediate attention. If water has entered the engine, call a tow truck right away and take it to a repair shop. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself—though the cost may be high, safety comes first. When driving, always slow down or avoid deep water to protect your engine and save yourself a lot of trouble. Failing to check after driving through water can lead to bent connecting rods or piston damage, and repairs can cost thousands—definitely not worth it.
I have some experience dealing with water ingress in engines. The primary rule after wading through water is not to start the ignition. Open the hood immediately and inspect: if there's moisture in the air filter, it's a sign of water ingress. Then check the dipstick; if the engine oil appears milky, that's a clear confirmation. If necessary, remove the spark plugs to check for traces of water in the cylinders. These steps are simple and quick, but it's recommended to have a professional mechanic verify with diagnostic tools to avoid misjudgment. Driving forcefully after water ingress can cause severe damage, such as crankshaft deformation or cylinder block cracks, leading to extremely high repair costs. Remind everyone to be extra cautious during the rainy season; if the water depth exceeds the height of the tires, it's time to stop or change routes—safety is far more important than time. Learning some basic troubleshooting methods can be a lifesaver.
