What to Do When Water Enters the Fuel Tank and the Car Won't Start?
3 Answers
If the engine can start and run normally, you can add some fuel additives, such as fuel tank water remover or fuel system cleaner, to help the engine burn more efficiently. If the engine fails to start normally, accompanied by insufficient power and vehicle shaking, this situation needs to be resolved at a repair station. Remove the spark plugs, disconnect the fuel injector connectors, and crank the starter until the water in the cylinders is drained. Then, replace the engine oil and reinstall the spark plugs and fuel injector connectors.
I personally experienced a car failing to start due to water in the fuel tank after driving through a flooded road during heavy rain. Water entering the tank separates from gasoline, preventing the engine from igniting properly, and attempting to start it forcibly may damage the fuel pump or engine. The first step is to stop trying to ignite and push the car to a safe location. Then, open the drain bolt at the bottom of the fuel tank (if unavailable, use a siphon to extract the liquid at the bottom) to discharge the water-contaminated gasoline mixture. Refill with fresh gasoline to flush the system and inspect the fuel filter—water often contaminates it, possibly requiring replacement. If the issue persists, promptly contact a professional mechanic, as they have the equipment for deep cleaning the tank. Prevention is crucial: avoid refueling during rainy weather, refrain from washing near the fuel cap, and steer clear of flooded areas. Regular maintenance also reduces such risks—don’t take it lightly.
That time my friend's used car broke down on the road due to water in the fuel tank. In his rush to start the engine, he ended up damaging the fuel pump. I told him a simple solution: first, don't panic, park the car on level ground, manually siphon out some of the tank contents (using a tube into a container), and check for liquid separation—water will settle at the bottom. After separating, try adding fresh fuel. If the engine still won't start, it's likely the fuel filter is clogged; replacing it usually solves the problem. Just to be safe, we also added fuel dryer to absorb any remaining moisture. The whole process wasn't too complicated, but it's best to get someone knowledgeable to help. That time, I called a mechanic friend to inspect on-site, and it cost less than 200 yuan to fix. Afterward, I learned a lesson: avoid refueling during heavy rain and make sure the fuel cap is sealed properly; keep a small toolkit in the car—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments. Safety comes first when driving, so don't act recklessly.
