Why Does Restarting After Stalling in Water Damage the Engine?

[Miller]

The reason restarting after stalling in water damages the engine is that the engine's intake system has sucked in water. The suction force of the engine's intake system is very strong during the intake process. After water enters the engine, it is drawn into the cylinders through the intake pipes. Since water, not air, is being sucked in, the engine cannot combust normally and stalls. Water inside the engine cannot be compressed. When the piston moves upward, the space inside the cylinder is occupied by water. As the piston continues to move, the connecting rod is bent, causing irreversible damage. Therefore, the damage to the engine after being flooded is significant.