What to Do When a Scooter Gets Flooded?
2 Answers
Disconnect the battery terminals and cut off all power sources. Below are the relevant steps to deal with a flooded scooter: 1. Electrical Components: Open all accessible boxes (do not open waterproof-sealed boxes). Use a hair dryer to dry circuit boards, wiring connectors, and other components as much as possible. For areas that cannot be dried with a hair dryer, expose them to sunlight for at least half a day. If there is no sunlight, leave them for several days. 2. Check if the Engine is Flooded: Determine whether water has entered the engine. If it has, you must replace all the engine oil and ensure all water is completely drained. Any remaining water in the engine can cause severe damage. 3. Check if the Carburetor is Flooded: If water has entered the carburetor, it needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Open the bottom cover of the carburetor and use an air pump to blow air through all the small holes. Avoid removing the small screws, as adjusting them without professional expertise can disrupt the air-fuel mixture ratio. An incorrect mixture ratio will negatively affect the scooter's performance.
Last time I rode my scooter through a puddle and accidentally got it submerged. I was so scared that I immediately turned off the engine and pushed it to a dry spot. Water entering the engine can severely damage the components, so never attempt to start it again. After getting home, I left the scooter in a shady spot to dry for two days. During that time, I opened the air filter box and found it completely soaked, so I quickly bought a new one to replace it. I also drained the engine oil and refilled it with fresh oil because water mixing with oil can corrode the internals. I didn’t dare to touch the electrical parts myself, fearing a short circuit or fire, so I asked a friend to help check the wiring harness for any issues. After submersion, the braking system could also be affected, so I inspected the brake pads for rust. Overall, timely action is crucial; otherwise, repair costs could skyrocket. Now, I avoid riding through deep water during rainy days, just to be safe.
