What Causes Engine Shaking and Lack of Power After Driving Through Water?
2 Answers
There are many reasons for engine shaking. Issues such as a dirty air filter, broken high-voltage wires, worn-out spark plugs, abnormal water temperature, clogged fuel injectors, carbon deposits, and oil sludge buildup can all potentially cause engine shaking. Here are the causes and solutions for engine shaking: 1. Severe Engine Carbon Buildup: In this situation, the engine may only start easily after the carbon deposits have absorbed enough gasoline to become saturated. Once started, the gasoline adsorbed on the carbon deposits will be drawn into the combustion chamber by the engine's vacuum suction, enriching the air-fuel mixture. This leads to an inconsistent air-fuel mixture, causing idle shaking after a cold start. Additionally, the lower the temperature, the more fuel is required for a cold start, making carbon buildup a significant factor in whether a cold start proceeds smoothly. The solution is to clean the fuel system and check if the idle control valve has carbon buildup, which should be cleaned if present. 2. Ignition System Issues: The solution is to check if the spark plugs have excessive carbon buildup and replace them if necessary.
I've encountered similar situations while driving. After the vehicle goes through water, the engine shakes and loses power, which is usually a common problem caused by water entering the intake system. For example, if the intake port sucks in water, it blocks airflow, leading to incomplete combustion, cylinder misfires, or imbalance, making the engine shake and lose power. Check if the air filter is soaked; if it is, you'll need to replace it. The spark plugs or high-voltage wires might also get wet and short-circuit, causing ignition failure. In more severe cases, water entering the cylinders can cause 'hydrolock,' requiring disassembly to remove the water. I recommend not continuing to drive—find a safe place to park and let the water evaporate, or go directly to a repair shop to inspect the intake system and electronic components to avoid serious engine damage later.
