What Does It Mean When Water Enters the Engine?
2 Answers
When driving in rainy weather or on flooded roads, water may sometimes enter the vehicle's engine, causing malfunctions. Below is an explanation of how water enters the engine: 1. If water enters the engine through the exhaust pipe, it must pass through the muffler, mid-pipe, and catalytic converter to reach the engine. The interior of the muffler and catalytic converter consists of complex mesh structures, combined with the curved exhaust pipe, making it nearly impossible for water to pass through. In reality, the main cause of engine stalling due to water ingress is not the exhaust system but the intake system. 2. When rainwater bypasses the air intake, it can wet the air filter or even flow into the intake manifold, eventually reaching the cylinders. Generally, if the air filter gets soaked by rainwater, the intake will be blocked, causing the engine to stall. However, if an attempt is made to restart the engine, the movement of the pistons can draw rainwater from the intake into the cylinders.
I have personal experience with engine water intrusion. Last year during the rainy season, I drove through deep water and the water pump failed, allowing water to enter the engine through the intake pipe. Simply put, water got inside the engine, disrupting the air-fuel mixture system and causing the cylinders to malfunction. The consequences can range from minor to severe: at best, you might need to replace parts and remove rust, while at worst, the entire engine could be ruined, with repair costs easily running into thousands or even tens of thousands. For prevention, my lesson is to avoid forcing through standing water—always stop and check the water level before proceeding through deep areas. If water does enter the engine, don’t attempt to restart it, as that can cause further damage. Towing the car to a professional shop to check whether the air filter and cooling system are flooded is a must. Developing these habits can significantly reduce the risk.
