What will happen if the engine is started after water ingress?
3 Answers
Starting the engine after water ingress can cause the piston to seize, and in severe cases, the connecting rod may bend. Below is a related introduction: Engine: An engine (Engine) is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines (reciprocating piston engines), external combustion engines (Stirling engines, steam engines, etc.), jet engines, electric motors, etc. Internal combustion engines typically convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. Connecting Rod: It connects the piston to the crankshaft, transmitting the forces acting on the piston to the crankshaft and converting the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotational motion of the crankshaft.
I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and have encountered many cases of flooded vehicles being forcibly started—what a tragedy. When water enters the engine and you attempt to ignite it, the water gets into the cylinders. Since water cannot be compressed, the piston gets jammed as it moves upward, causing the connecting rod to bend or snap, damaging the valves, and in severe cases, even cracking the entire engine block. At the moment of ignition, you'll hear a loud bang, followed by the engine completely stalling and becoming immobile. Repairs afterward are particularly troublesome, ranging from replacing pistons and connecting rods to the entire engine being scrapped, with costs easily running into tens of thousands. So, if your car gets flooded, never rush to start it. Immediately turn off the power and have it towed to a professional repair shop for inspection. If the flooding isn't severe, it's better to let the water evaporate over a few days before handling it. When driving in the rain, be extra cautious of puddles—prevention is always better than cure.
As a car owner, I'm particularly worried about the issue of starting the engine after water intrusion. Last rainy season, my car almost got into trouble when passing through deep water. A friend told me that once water enters the engine, attempting to start it might cause the engine to make a screeching sound and stall completely. The subsequent repair costs can be shockingly high, and insurance companies may not cover all expenses. Since water cannot be compressed, the piston can be forcibly blocked during ignition, often resulting in bent connecting rods and severe engine damage, essentially totaling the engine. The impact on daily life is significant - without a functioning car, tasks like school runs and commuting become problematic, causing major disruptions. The best approach is to avoid turning the key if water intrusion is suspected and call for a tow truck instead. When driving, always pay attention to water depth and avoid rushing through - safety comes first, as repair bills can be truly painful to bear.
