What are the symptoms of a flooded car engine after repair?
2 Answers
If the vehicle has only been soaked and then towed to a repair shop, this generally does not cause irreversible damage to the engine. The main task is to clean the accumulated water inside the engine, but the extent of cleaning depends on the situation. More often, the intake pipe and intake manifold are removed, and compressed air is used to dry the water inside. In such cases, there are usually no significant aftereffects. Below are other scenarios of engine water ingress: A small amount of water entering the cylinder: In many cases, the owner may not even realize that the engine has taken in water, and the amount of water is minimal. If the owner chooses to continue driving at this point, the ultimate consequence could be the piston seizing in the cylinder, with the connecting rod bending or breaking due to the immense pressure. In more severe cases, the broken connecting rod might even puncture the engine block.
After purchasing a refurbished flood-damaged used car, I found the engine extremely difficult to start—it often fails to ignite. When running, it makes strange noises, as if something is rattling inside, and it tends to shudder during acceleration. Fuel consumption has also increased significantly, costing about 20% more for city driving. The most frustrating issue is the constant black smoke from the exhaust, especially during cold starts, suggesting internal corrosion or rust. Once, while driving on the highway, the engine suddenly overheated, triggering a warning light and forcing me to pull over immediately. The mechanic explained that moisture from the flood caused oxidation and rust, affecting ignition and lubrication. Now, the car frequently breaks down, and repairs are costly. I advise anyone considering a cheap flood-damaged car to think twice—prioritize buying new from reputable dealers or thoroughly inspect used vehicles. Don’t let low prices fool you into a costly mistake.
