What problems can occur if water enters the engine?

[SanSawyer]

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.

[LillianaAnn]

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.

[LeChase]

I remember a time when a friend drove through a puddle in the rain, and the engine ended up hydrolocking. Water got into the intake valves and directly into the cylinders. When the pistons moved, they were blocked by the water and couldn't move, causing the connecting rods to bend and requiring a major overhaul. The starter also failed, and white smoke came out of the car. The engine oil turned milky white, losing its protective properties, which increased friction between parts and could lead to total failure. The battery or electrical circuits might have shorted and burned out. This kind of problem is often caused by driving too fast through shallow water, splashing it into the engine. Afterwards, the car had to be towed to a shop for disassembly and cleaning of parts, with some needing replacement. Regularly checking the engine hood seals can prevent such issues from escalating. Thinking about it is quite scary—stalling on the highway is extremely dangerous, wasting time and money. Repair costs can range from a few thousand to a complete engine replacement in severe cases, and insurance might not even cover it.

[DelAlexa]

Engine water ingress causes significant issues. Water entering the cylinders reduces compression space, potentially bending piston rods. Oil-water mixture emulsifies and deteriorates, leading to lubrication failure and increased wear. This can trigger timing chain problems or valve seizure. Internal metal components may also corrode. Common causes include wading through water or air filter leaks. Immediately shut off the engine if flooded - never restart. Tow to a repair shop for cylinder pressure tests and water removal. Prompt action may prevent major overhauls. Avoid driving through deep water, especially during rainy seasons. Installing waterproof covers or improving seals helps prevention. Such repairs are costly and time-consuming - prevention saves money and hassle.