What to Do When Water Enters a Diesel Engine?
3 Answers
If water enters a diesel engine, to remove the water, the injectors of each cylinder need to be removed, and then the starter motor should be activated to expel the water from the cylinders. Do not start the engine when water has entered it, as air is compressible. Since water cannot be compressed, attempting to start the engine could lead to cylinder head deformation or connecting rod and crankshaft breakage, resulting in engine failure. The method to determine if water has entered the engine is to check the color of the engine oil for any abnormalities. If the oil turns milky white, it indicates that water has entered the fuel tank or engine. Additionally, inspect all pipelines for water ingress, including checking the air filter and the lower housing of the air filter for obvious signs of water entry, and examine the intake pipe and intake manifold for clear traces of water passage.
That time when I drove my diesel pickup through deep water and the engine suddenly stalled, I knew water had gotten in. This is no joke - shut it off immediately and don't attempt to restart. If water enters the cylinders and you force-start it, you could bend the connecting rods, and repairs could cost over ten thousand yuan. I immediately called the insurance company's towing service and had the mechanic tow the vehicle to the repair shop. When the technician opened it up, the air filter was completely soaked, there was water mixed in the oil pan, and the piston connecting rods needed inspection for deformation. It took two days to replace the engine oil, three filters, and flush the fuel system clean. I learned my lesson - now when it rains and I see water levels exceeding half the tire height, I detour. Installing a raised air intake snorkel also proved quite effective. I always keep tow ropes and rescue cards in the car as precautionary measures.
Our repair shop often handles such cases. When water enters a diesel engine, immediately turn off the ignition and never attempt to restart it. Call for a tow truck to bring it to the shop. The first step is to remove the spark plugs to drain the water, use a borescope to inspect cylinder wall scratches, and pull out the pistons to check the straightness of the connecting rods. The crankcase oil will definitely be emulsified and deteriorated, so it must be completely drained and flushed, and a new oil filter must be installed. Pay special attention to whether the electrical connectors are oxidized, as the ECU is prone to short circuits when exposed to water. After repairs, test drive the vehicle for half an hour to ensure idle stability. We advise vehicle owners to frequently check the oil color within three months after driving through water; if it appears cloudy, return for further repairs. During maintenance, inspect the sealing of the air intake to avoid future troubles.
