Why Does an Engine Get Scrapped When It Takes in Water?
2 Answers
There are two scenarios where an engine gets scrapped due to water intake: 1. Exhaust pipe submerged underwater: If the exhaust pipe is underwater and the throttle is abruptly released while accelerating, water can be sucked into the combustion chamber through the exhaust valves, leading to engine failure. 2. Water entering through the intake: If water enters through the intake, the engine may simply stall. After drying the air filter and throttle body, it can usually be restarted within half an hour or so. Relevant information about engines is as follows: 1. Engine: An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc. 2. Power unit: For example, an internal combustion engine typically converts chemical energy into mechanical energy. The term 'engine' can refer to either the power generation device or the entire machine including the power unit.
Let's break down the engine hydro-lock failure thoroughly. Water is 1000 times denser than oil - when pistons compress against water during upward stroke, it's like punching a concrete wall with bare fists, resulting in bent connecting rods. The precision-machined rod bearings and crankshaft assembly can tolerate only hair-thickness deviations before catastrophic failure. Worse, water contaminates oil galleries, causing lubrication breakdown as oil emulsifies into mayonnaise-like sludge. Forcing startup in this condition leads to bearing seizure from oil starvation. Ever seen those workshop horror shows where connecting rods punch through engine blocks? Most are hydro-lock victims. Golden rule: if floodwater reaches mid-tire height, never attempt ignition - call a tow truck immediately to save your engine.
