Will the Engine Definitely Stall If Water Enters It?
2 Answers
Generally, water does not enter the engine. The air intake is located at the position of the hood, and a small amount of water cannot get in. Even if a small amount enters, it's usually not a problem. If a large amount enters, the engine may not necessarily stall immediately. Engine water ingress situations: Generally, engine water ingress can be divided into three scenarios. The first is engine submersion, which does not harm critical components. The second is slight water ingress, where the engine can still start normally. The third is when a large amount of water enters the engine cylinders, preventing normal startup. Depending on the situation, the engine will exhibit different symptoms. Precautions after engine water ingress: Do not restart the engine after it stalls. Automotive maintenance experts warn that during heavy rainfall, many roads may have deep water accumulation. Drivers should pay close attention to the depth of water on the road. If the water depth exceeds 20 cm (some high-clearance vehicles like SUVs can handle up to 30 cm), avoid driving through it. Especially for older models with lower intake and exhaust ports, water can be sucked back into the engine through the exhaust pipe, causing the engine to stall. When driving through water, use a low gear and proceed slowly. It is particularly important not to 'lift off the throttle' when passing through water, as doing so can create a strong suction in the exhaust system, drawing water back into the engine.
Many people assume that water entering the engine will inevitably cause it to stall, but that's not always the case. Once, while driving through a flooded area in the rain, water splashed high, yet the engine didn't stop immediately—it just made gurgling sounds. Later, after getting it repaired, I learned that a small amount of water might evaporate due to the engine's heat dissipation, preventing immediate damage. However, if a large volume of water enters—such as when wading through deep water submerges the air intake—water can be sucked into the cylinders. Since water isn't compressible like air, piston movement gets obstructed, and spark plugs may short-circuit, failing to ignite, leading to stalling. This also depends on speed and engine type: water ingress at high speeds is more dangerous, and gasoline engines are more sensitive than diesel ones. In short, an engine not stalling after water ingress only means the issue hasn't reached a critical point yet, but prolonged exposure can damage connecting rods or cylinder gaskets, requiring major repairs. So, when encountering puddles, drive slowly. If the water depth exceeds half the wheel hub, don't take the risk—safety first, to avoid regrets later.
