What Problems Can Occur When Water Enters the Engine?
4 Answers
When water enters the engine, it can cause the engine oil to form a milky white oil-water mixture and produce white smoke from the exhaust pipe. Below are the specific reasons for water entering the engine: 1. Damaged Oil Cooler: When the pipes of the oil cooler crack, water outside the cooler can seep into the oil cooler, leading to water contamination in the engine oil. 2. Leaking Engine Water Plug: After several years of use, the engine may develop scale and corrosion, causing some water plugs to rust. This allows coolant to enter the oil passage from the water channel. 3. Damaged Cylinder Liner Seal: The cylinder liner is in direct contact with the coolant. The seal at the lower part of the cylinder liner effectively prevents leakage of engine oil and coolant. During operation, the seal is subjected to pressure, and poor-quality coolant can cause corrosion. Over time, the seal is prone to failure.
Once I was driving through a flooded road during heavy rain when the engine suddenly stalled, almost causing an accident. Later, the mechanic told me that water had entered the engine cylinders. Unlike air, water cannot be compressed, so when the piston moved upward, it got stuck, causing the connecting rod to bend or even break. Not only is this expensive to repair, but the entire engine might need replacement. Prolonged exposure to water can also cause internal rust and corrosion, shortening the engine's lifespan. To avoid this, I now take a detour if the water is deeper than the tires and promptly check the air intake system's sealing after rain. Safety first—don’t risk driving through water just to save time.
I once experienced a situation where water entered the engine, causing the car to stall completely. Water entering the cylinders can lead to severe hydraulic lock, preventing the pistons from moving. Attempting to start the engine forcefully may damage the camshaft or crankshaft. Not only are the repair costs high, but it can also result in oil and gas leaks, leading to continuous subsequent failures. Regular maintenance should include checking the air filter and intake pipes, and maintaining a slow, steady speed when driving through water. Proper maintenance can help avoid such tragedies.
The worst-case scenario of water entering the engine is when water gets compressed inside the cylinder, causing the piston to seize and the connecting rod to break. The engine suddenly stalls, leading to exorbitant repair costs or even total write-off. Do not attempt to start the engine after water ingress; tow it to a professional repair shop as soon as possible. Preventing minor issues can save you a fortune.
