What Causes Water to Enter the Engine?
4 Answers
Water entering the engine can be categorized into two types. The most common scenario is engine submersion, which requires promptly calling for a tow truck to transport the vehicle to a repair shop. The other type is caused by damage to individual components. If not addressed in time, it can easily lead to faults such as cylinder scoring or bearing seizure, and in severe cases, the engine may even be rendered completely inoperable. Below is additional information: Damage to the cylinder liner sealing ring: The sealing ring at the lower part of the cylinder liner is designed to prevent the leakage of engine oil and coolant. However, prolonged exposure to pressure can inevitably cause the sealing ring to deteriorate. Moreover, if the coolant is of poor quality, it may have corrosive effects, leading to leakage into the engine oil.
With over twenty years of driving experience, I've seen many cases of engine water ingress. The most common scenario is after heavy rain when drivers plow through deep puddles without assessing the water depth. The splashed water directly floods the air intake, causing the engine to ingest large quantities of water, leading to moisture damage or even hydro-lock. Vehicle design also plays a role—low-clearance models with lower-positioned air intakes are particularly vulnerable. When encountering standing water, it's best to slow down or detour to avoid major issues. Additionally, extra caution is needed when driving in flood-prone areas—if water levels exceed half the wheel height, it's not worth the risk.
Engine water ingress is often caused by aging seals. Last month after a heavy rain, my car experienced this issue. It was later found that the rubber strip at the edge of the hood had cracks, allowing rainwater to seep into the engine bay and submerge some components. Neglecting regular maintenance of aging parts can lead to problems during sudden weather changes. Given the unpredictable weather nowadays, it's advisable to regularly inspect the engine bay seals and air intake covers, and replace them promptly to ensure a tight fit.
As a car enthusiast, I once modified the intake system but positioned it too low. During a water crossing, water was directly sucked into the engine, causing severe damage. Improper modifications like setting the air filter too low can easily lead to water ingestion. Car enthusiasts should carefully plan their modifications.
