What to Do When Your Car Engine Flooded with Water Won’t Start
Discovering your car engine flooded with water won’t start is a frustrating and potentially expensive situation. Water, unlike fuel, is incompressible, and its presence within the engine’s cylinders can cause significant damage. This situation most often arises after driving through deep water or experiencing severe flooding. Understanding the steps to take when your car engine flooded with water won’t start, and knowing what not to do, can be crucial in minimizing the harm and potentially saving your vehicle. We’ll delve into the common causes, troubleshooting techniques, and preventive measures to help you navigate this watery predicament.
Understanding the Risks of a Flooded Engine
Water in your engine is not merely an inconvenience; it presents several serious risks:
- Hydraulic Lock: Water’s incompressibility means the pistons cannot complete their stroke, potentially bending connecting rods or even cracking the engine block.
- Corrosion: Water promotes rust and corrosion within the engine, damaging vital components over time.
- Electrical Damage: Water can short-circuit electrical systems, affecting the starter motor, sensors, and the engine control unit (ECU).
- Oil Contamination: Water mixing with engine oil reduces its lubricating properties, leading to increased wear and tear.
Troubleshooting Steps: What to Do (and What not to Do)
The immediate reaction is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what actions to take and which to avoid:
What not to Do:
- Do NOT Attempt to Start the Engine: This is the most critical point. Trying to crank a water-filled engine can cause catastrophic internal damage.
- Do NOT Engage the Starter: Similar to the above, engaging the starter forces the engine to attempt to turn over, exacerbating the problem.
What To Do:
- Assess the Situation: Determine the extent of the flooding. How deep was the water? Did it submerge the air intake?
- Disconnect the Battery: This prevents any electrical shorts and protects the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Check the Air Filter: A saturated air filter is a clear indication that water has entered the intake system. Remove the filter to allow for better airflow.
- Check the Engine Oil: Look for a milky or light-brown color, which indicates water contamination.
- Try to Manually Turn the Engine: Using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley (consult your owner’s manual for location), gently attempt to turn the engine slightly. If it won’t budge, STOP; This confirms hydraulic lock.
- Call a Professional: If you suspect significant water ingestion, or if you are not comfortable performing these steps, it is best to call a qualified mechanic.
Removing Water from the Engine (If Possible)
If you’ve cautiously determined that the engine isn’t hydraulically locked, and feel confident, you might attempt to remove the water. This should only be attempted by experienced individuals. The general procedure involves:
- Removing the spark plugs to provide an escape route for the water.
- Cranking the engine briefly (after re-connecting the battery briefly) to expel any water from the cylinders.
- Changing the engine oil and filter.
- Drying out any electrical components that may have gotten wet.
Remember, even if you successfully remove the water, internal damage may still be present. A thorough inspection by a mechanic is highly recommended.
Prevention is Key
The best solution is to avoid situations where your car engine flooded with water won’t start in the first place. Here are a few preventative measures:
- Avoid Driving Through Deep Water: If you cannot see the road surface, do not attempt to drive through it.
- Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts: Be aware of flood warnings and avoid driving in areas prone to flooding;
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly check and maintain your vehicle’s drainage systems to prevent water from accumulating in vulnerable areas.
Final Thoughts
When your car engine flooded with water won’t start, panic is the enemy. By understanding the risks, following the correct troubleshooting steps, and taking preventative measures, you can minimize damage and potentially save your vehicle. Remember, safety is paramount, and seeking professional help is always a wise decision.
