Will the engine be damaged if it is started again after stalling due to water ingress?
2 Answers
Starting the engine once after it stalls due to water ingress can cause certain damage to the engine. Below are the relevant details: 1. Reasons for stalling after driving through water: The high-voltage ignition system becomes damp or short-circuits due to water ingress, leading to stalling. 2. Countermeasures for driving through water: If it is confirmed that the exhaust or intake ports have been flooded, the vehicle must be towed to a repair shop for inspection. Do not attempt to start the engine forcibly, as this may cause greater damage due to ineffective engine lubrication. 3. Preventive measures: Owners should install underbody armor or apply underbody coating. Underbody coating can isolate the chassis from air, providing anti-corrosion, anti-rust, and soundproofing functions. Before applying underbody coating, use a specialized cleaner to remove asphalt and oil stains attached to the chassis, and shield the heat dissipation parts of the transmission and exhaust systems to achieve good protective effects. Additionally, installing underbody armor can help maintain the exhaust pipe and prevent water ingress into the vehicle.
I've seen quite a few cases of water ingress accidents. Once a vehicle stalls due to water entering, never attempt to restart it. When water seeps into the engine, the cylinder block fills with liquid. If you try to start it, the piston can get stuck and forced upward, potentially bending or even breaking the connecting rod, and the cylinder walls can also get scratched and damaged. In such situations, I always advise clients to immediately turn off the engine, park the car, avoid pressing any buttons, and directly call for a tow truck to send it for repairs. Professionals will use tools to drain the water and inspect for damage. Prevention is simple: avoid driving through deep water during heavy rain, and driving slowly in low gear can reduce the risk. Engine repairs can be costly, ranging from tens of thousands for minor damage to replacing the entire set of equipment for severe cases.
