What to Do When a Motorcycle Engine Gets Water Ingress
3 Answers
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery as soon as possible to prevent short circuits in various electrical components due to water ingress. Immediately inspect the engine, first checking whether the engine cylinders have taken in water, as this can cause the connecting rods to bend. If water has entered the exhaust pipe, remove the accumulated water promptly to prevent impurities in the water from clogging the catalytic converter or damaging the oxygen sensor.
Last time I was riding my motorcycle in a heavy rainstorm, the engine stalled after water got in. I pushed the bike to a safe spot and didn't dare start it again, afraid of damaging the engine. I had to remove the spark plugs to drain the water, use compressed air to dry the cylinders, and even drain the oil to check for emulsification. If water was found, I had to replace it with new oil to prevent internal damage during operation. Later, I took it to a repair shop for a thorough check-up. It cost some money but avoided bigger issues. My advice: don't ride too far in the rain, and be careful about the relationship between wheel height and water depth when wading through water.
I've encountered motorcycle water ingress several times, and simple self-rescue can save a lot of money. Immediately turn off the engine and push it to a dry place without starting it. Remove the spark plug wire and manually rotate the flywheel several times to drain the accumulated water. Dry the spark plug and cylinder interior, then shake to check if all water is expelled. Next, extract the engine oil to check for water presence and replace if necessary, adding some fresh oil for lubrication. If the water ingress is not severe, try starting it after drying—no abnormal noises mean it's okay. However, it's still advisable to have a professional check if the spark plug is corroded or if the air filter is wet and needs replacement.
