Why should you not attempt a second ignition if water enters the engine?

[_travis]

To prevent water from entering the engine and causing serious consequences. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. The engine will inevitably stall after water enters: Since the water entering the cylinders lacks lubricating properties, blindly attempting to restart the engine after stalling may lead to severe damage or complete failure due to cylinder scuffing. 2. Check the condition of all vehicle system fluids: This is to prevent issues such as foaming or cloudiness after water ingress, which can cause oil deterioration and loss of lubrication. Additionally, water may carry sand particles that could lead to excessive engine wear. In such cases, immediate cleaning and replacement are necessary. After inspection, it's essential to clean the electrical connection components inside the engine compartment to prevent corrosion and sand residue caused by accumulated moisture in these areas.

[StMarley]

Ah, this is a common issue heard in repair shops. I've seen too many cases where water enters the cylinder, and once ignition occurs, the piston pushes upward. Water, being incompressible, acts like forcing a solid block of iron, immediately bending or even breaking the connecting rod. The engine's internal precision parts are designed to compress air, not water. Such hydraulic lock can completely destroy mechanical components. The repair costs are no small amount, possibly requiring the entire engine to be hoisted and parts replaced. Worse yet, if you're lucky enough to start the engine, water can corrode metal or cause short circuits, leading to latent long-term problems. When encountering flooding, my advice is to immediately turn off the engine, don't touch the key, and call for a tow truck to take it to a professional shop. Waiting for them to disassemble, clean, and inspect is much safer. This experience can truly save you a significant amount of money.

[LaViolet]

Last time my own car got submerged in water, it gave me a real scare! I looked it up online and learned that you must not attempt to start the engine. When water enters the cylinders and gets compressed during ignition, it creates a hydraulic pressure spike known as water hammer effect. This can bend or even snap connecting rods. Engine internals aren't designed for water exposure, and such damage often requires complete replacement rather than simple repairs. Repair bills can easily run into thousands, not to mention the impact on resale value. The critical point is - you might think it's safe to drive after water evaporates, but residual moisture can corrode or rust electronic components. I believe avoiding risks is paramount - remove the key, call your insurer or towing service, and wait for professionals. This approach ensures peace of mind, protects your vehicle, and saves both hassle and money.

[StJames]

From an engineering perspective, an engine operates by pistons compressing air. Water's incompressibility causes a sharp increase in secondary ignition pressure, potentially bending connecting rods or damaging the crankshaft. Water can also mix with engine oil, reducing lubrication and leading to rust-related failures. Repairs require complete engine disassembly, which is costly. It is recommended to have the vehicle towed for diagnosis after water exposure.