Will Starting the Engine Twice After Water Intake Damage the Engine?
2 Answers
Not necessarily. If the vehicle stalls during water wading, do not attempt to restart it immediately. A second start may lead to three possible scenarios: 1. Air filter water intake: The engine can still start after water wading, but if water enters the air filter, the engine may inhale some moisture along with the air. This moisture forms steam, and when mixed with gasoline, it burns completely, which does not significantly affect the engine. 2. Minor water intake into the engine: If a small amount of water reaches the cylinders and mixes with the engine oil, the oil quality deteriorates. Water in the oil increases wear on engine components, potentially leading to louder engine noise and greater vibration while driving. 3. Starting and stalling again: If the engine starts but stalls after a few seconds and cannot be restarted despite multiple attempts, this is the most severe scenario. Since water cannot be compressed, when it enters the cylinders, it may cause the valves and connecting rods to bend, piston seizure, severe cylinder wear, and crankshaft bending, especially if the engine is running at high speed.
I've been through this myself. Last year during heavy rain, I drove through a flooded area, and the engine stalled after taking in water. Foolishly, I tried to restart it, which completely destroyed the engine. Water got sucked into the cylinders, locking the pistons in place and causing hydraulic lock. The connecting rods bent and deformed, requiring a complete engine overhaul that cost me over 10,000 yuan. The insurance company refused to cover it, claiming it was my own operational error. Since then, I've learned never to attempt restarting after water intake—the smart move is to stop immediately and call for a tow truck. Driving in the rainy season requires extra caution; never risk crossing deep water, or you could face huge losses and serious danger.
