Where Does Water Enter the Engine From?

[LeSara]

Engine truly can enter water at the air intake, which is the air filter's intake area. The plastic pipes from the air intake to the throttle must be well sealed to prevent water from entering the engine. Solutions for engine water ingress: 1. If the engine stalls due to water ingress, do not attempt to restart it immediately. In this situation, the cause of the stalling cannot be immediately determined, and rash actions may cause unpredictable greater damage to the vehicle. The best course of action is to push the vehicle to a safe location manually and then call for assistance. 2. If the vehicle is simply flooded while stationary, there is no need to worry excessively as it will not cause irreversible damage to the engine, and the repair costs are relatively low. In such cases, the usual remedy is to drain the accumulated water from the engine. 3. Inspection method: The simplest way is to check if the engine oil color has changed abnormally. If the oil turns milky white, it indicates that water has entered the fuel tank or engine.

[ODavid]

Last month, I drove through a waterlogged area where the water level rose above the tires, resulting in water entering the engine. The water mainly got in through the air filter because the air intake is positioned low at the front of the vehicle, allowing water to be sucked in and flood the engine. I didn’t think much of it and kept driving, only for the engine to seize and stall. Later, it cost me over ten thousand yuan for major repairs. Everyone should be cautious: avoid wading through water deeper than the midpoint of the wheel hubs, never start the engine if water has entered, and have the vehicle towed to a shop to check the sealing of the intake system—these steps can prevent significant damage. Also, always park away from low-lying areas and drive extra carefully in rainy conditions—that’s the golden rule.

[SanLyla]

The most common way water enters the engine is through the intake system, such as open areas like the air filter or intake manifold. I've seen many cases where vehicles driving through floodwaters sucked in water when the water level was too high, flooding the pistons. Additionally, the low position of the exhaust system can cause water to backflow, leading to issues. Of course, leaks in the cooling system or failed cylinder head seals can also allow water to seep in. Poor handling can result in diluted oil, rusted components, or even engine seizure, so it's crucial to regularly inspect the sealing and height settings of these areas during maintenance. It's best to avoid waterlogged roads during rainy days for safety.

[LaChristopher]

To prevent engine water ingress, prioritize monitoring the entry points, specifically the intake manifold and air filter area. Once water levels rise, it can get sucked in, immediately destroying the engine. During routine maintenance, remember to clean the filter screen. After driving through water, promptly check if the pipes are soaked—avoid starting the vehicle to prevent further damage. For example, modifying a car to raise its chassis can reduce risk, and avoid parking in low-lying areas prone to water accumulation. These simple habits can save major trouble. After the rainy season, take a quick glance at the engine compartment before driving to ensure no signs of water accumulation—small efforts protect big wallets.