Why Can't Flooded or Water-Damaged Engines Be Used?
2 Answers
Flooded or water-damaged engines cannot be used primarily because most of these engines have lost their ability to provide power to the vehicle. Continuing to use such vehicles significantly increases the risk of accidents. Below are the consequences of water damage to vehicles: 1. Reduced Safety: If a vehicle is submerged in water, it can easily cause body components to rust, shortening their lifespan and reducing safety performance. For example, water damage can lead to corrosion and rusting of the vehicle's wiring, causing sudden engine shutdown or even spontaneous combustion due to short circuits while driving, with potentially catastrophic consequences. 2. Component Damage: In flood-damaged vehicles, some sand and debris may remain in gears or belts, making certain components more prone to damage as they cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
I've been driving for most of my life, and a flooded engine is a real nightmare. If water gets into the engine and you accidentally start it, the water can't be compressed in the cylinders, forcing the pistons to bend, costing tens of thousands in repairs. Even worse, after being submerged, internal parts start to rust—metal components like piston rings and connecting rods get covered in rust, and the lubricating oil emulsifies and thickens, failing to protect the parts from friction, making the car prone to stalling. I've also seen in the used car market how flooded cars, once labeled as such, plummet in value, with no one daring to take them on. Don't think drying it out will make it usable—rust eats from the inside out, posing many hidden dangers. It's more cost-effective to dismantle it early and sell the parts.
