What problems can occur if water enters the engine?
2 Answers
Engine water ingress can lead to the following issues: 1. Air filter water ingress: When the engine inhales air, it may carry some water into the intake tract, forming water vapor. This vapor mixes with gasoline and burns completely, causing minimal impact on the engine. 2. Deterioration of engine oil quality: Moisture-contaminated engine oil increases wear on engine components, potentially leading to increased engine noise and vibration during future vehicle operation. 3. Engine failure to start: Since water cannot be compressed, when it enters the cylinders while the engine is operating at high speed, the inability to compress water during the power stroke directly results in bent valves and connecting rods, seized pistons, severe cylinder wear, and bent crankshafts. It is recommended to replace the engine oil as soon as possible.
Water in the engine is a serious issue! With over a decade of driving experience, I've seen many fellow car owners face this problem. Once water enters the cylinders, the piston can't compress it during operation because water, unlike air, can't be compressed. This can cause the connecting rods to bend or break, leading to immediate engine seizure and failure to start. Even worse, water mixing with engine oil dilutes its lubricating properties, accelerating component wear. Over time, this can also cause rust and corrosion, shortening the engine's lifespan. Water ingress may also trigger electrical short circuits, and wet spark plugs won't ignite properly. This commonly happens during heavy rain or when driving aggressively through deep puddles. The best prevention is avoiding deep water; if water does get in, never force-start the engine—call a tow truck immediately for repairs. Regular maintenance checks for clogged air intake pipes also help prevent water from sneaking in unnoticed. These repairs can be extremely costly, with even a single part replacement costing thousands.
