Will the engine be damaged if it gets flooded with water without a second start?
4 Answers
If the engine is not flooded with water, it will not be damaged; if it is flooded, it will be damaged. Once the vehicle stalls in water, do not restart it. Water enters through the intake pipe to the resonator box, then to the air filter, and finally into the engine. Once water enters the engine, it can cause immediate operational failure, leading to the car stalling. If the car accidentally encounters flooding while driving, the owner should turn off the engine immediately. Relevant information about car engines is as follows: 1. Introduction: The car engine is the device that provides power to the car, serving as the heart of the vehicle, determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Common gasoline and diesel engines are both types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines. 2. Classification: Based on the power source, car engines can be divided into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid types.
Last time I drove through a puddle during a heavy rainstorm, water got into the engine but I didn't dare to restart it, so I called for a tow truck directly. When I asked the mechanic afterward, he explained that if the engine isn't started, water trapped in the cylinders won't immediately cause mechanical damage, avoiding the 'hydrolock' phenomenon where water compression damages pistons or connecting rods. However, this doesn't mean it's safe. Prolonged water retention inside can corrode metal parts, leading to rust and subsequent issues like engine knocking or power loss. Thinking back now, in similar situations, I would first turn off the engine and check if the air filter is wet. If it's wet, I absolutely wouldn't start the engine. It's best to avoid water depths exceeding half the wheel height in daily driving and to detour during heavy rains for peace of mind. Spending a few hundred on towing fees is much cheaper than engine repairs costing tens of thousands. Preventive measures are always better than regrets afterward.
I understand that if the engine is flooded with water but not started, it can generally avoid immediate damage. The main concern is that starting the engine would compress the water, leading to uncontrollable forces that could damage internal components like the crankshaft. Not starting the engine reduces this risk. However, leaving water inside the engine untreated can cause corrosion to the cylinder walls or piston rings over time, creating hidden hazards. Common causes of water ingress include driving through heavy rain or flood accidents. Post-flood consequences include rust and oil contamination. My advice is to stop the car immediately after encountering water and avoid moving it further, prioritizing an inspection of the engine bay. Draining the water should be handled by professionals at a modest cost. In daily driving, avoiding deep water areas and ensuring the air filter baffle is properly installed can prevent such issues. Treating the car like a partner and maintaining it well can extend its lifespan—don’t let small problems turn into disasters. Being cautious is always the right approach.
I think if the engine gets waterlogged but isn't restarted, there might be no immediate harm, but long-term risks exist. Water remaining in the engine can cause rust and corrosion of components, gradually leading to problems. The solution is simple: immediately tow the vehicle to a repair shop for water drainage and cleaning. When wading through water, it's advisable to drive slowly; if the water level rises above the door sill, stop. If the air filter is found wet, do not start the engine. Remember, safety comes first—don't risk major losses to save small costs or time. Regular maintenance should focus on sealing performance, and driving less during the rainy season is a good preventive measure. Engine repairs are expensive, so timely action saves both worry and effort.
