Will the engine be affected if it gets water inside but doesn't stall?
2 Answers
There is basically no impact on the engine. Since the water pressure is much lower than the exhaust pressure of the cylinders, as long as the vehicle doesn't stall, water will not flow back into the engine, so there will be no adverse effects. Additional information: After driving through water, immediately remove any protective coverings from the electrical components, dry any wet areas, and reinstall the fan belt. Check each gearbox for water ingress, ensure there are no debris blocking the radiator fins, inspect the tires for damage, and look for any water weeds tangled under the chassis. Precautions: 1. If the car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it immediately; 2. Passenger cars should not drive through water deeper than 40 cm; 3. Do not accelerate when driving through water.
Water entering the engine without stalling is no small matter! As a mechanic with years of experience, I must warn you—water mixing with oil inside the engine can cause internal rust over time, damaging piston rings or bearings. Even if the engine didn’t stall, water may have entered the combustion chamber. While it didn’t immediately hydrolock, the next startup could trigger a hydraulic lock, completely destroying the engine. For example, if you drove through deep water, splashed water inside, and the engine didn’t stop but lost power or made unusual noises, these are all warning signs. My advice: shut off the engine immediately—don’t push it—and tow the car to a repair shop to inspect the cylinders and air filter, replacing any water-contaminated parts. Regular checks of seals and underbody rust protection are also crucial. Delaying this could mean thousands in repair costs and compromised driving safety.
