What happens if you start the engine after it gets water inside?
2 Answers
It can cause the piston to seize, and in severe cases, the connecting rod may bend. Here are the relevant details: 1. Engine: An engine (Engine) is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines (reciprocating piston engines), external combustion engines (Stirling engines, steam engines, etc.), jet engines, electric motors, etc. Internal combustion engines typically convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. 2. Connecting Rod: It connects the piston to the crankshaft, transmits the force from the piston to the crankshaft, and converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotational motion of the crankshaft.
I've seen many car enthusiasts encounter this situation. If water enters the engine and you try to start it, the trouble can be huge. When water mixes into the engine and you attempt to ignite it, the piston's upward movement can't compress water like air, directly causing the connecting rod to bend or even break, potentially leading to complete engine failure. Once, I drove through a waterlogged area on a rainy day and accidentally flooded the engine. I tried restarting it and immediately heard a loud bang—the engine just died. After towing it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the entire cylinder head was cracked. In the end, replacing the engine cost me several thousand dollars, which was heartbreaking. So, I strongly advise: if your car stalls after going through water, never rush to restart it. Just call a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for inspection. Get into the habit of assessing water depth before driving through to avoid risks. Otherwise, repairs can be expensive, time-consuming, and disrupt your daily commute.
