2 Simple Steps On How To Fix Water Damaged Engine Easily

If your car somehow got exposed to excessive moisture and other water-related incidents, you’re probably wondering how to fix water damaged engine. Although you can clean a car engine with water occasionally, proper knowledge and safety precautions are essential to do it right. Usually, it is better to let an expert clean the engine instead of doing it yourself.

However, water can still reach your car engine in a given situation. Here’s what you can do to check the engine for water damage and repair it to its previous glory.

how to fix water damaged engine

 

How Does Water Damage The Car Engine

There are many potential roots of water damage on engines, but the most common source is flooding and excessive condensation.

 

Flooding

If you live somewhere with frequent flooding, your car is susceptible to water damage. The engine cannot get wet for an extended period because it can damage its sensitive components and wiring.

If the car got submerged, the water could sit for days even after being towed or dried outside. This can trigger various problems in the engine and the motors, powertrain, and electronic parts.

Most cars have a comprehensive insurance provision, protecting them from all kinds of incidents like stolen, car crashes, and suffering from water damage. However, the parts, not originally part of the car, like removable radios and other gadgets, are not included in the insurance coverage.

Saltwater flooding is even worse, as most car experts say that saltwater flooded modern cars are considered unfixable. Saltwater damaged engines have little to no chance at all getting repaired. It would be so much better to get a new one than to rebuild the flooded car.

 

Condensation

Small amounts of condensation are normal in the engine compartment. You may see water dripping under the car, but it is probably due to the A/C system and not something to worry about. However, the problem starts when there is a large volume of condensation.

Most cars include a heater. The car engine also gets hot, but there is an engine coolant to keep it from overheating. When the coolant somehow found its way to flow into the combustion chamber, it would burn alongside the fuel.

This can damage the engine severely if not solved immediately. If you only suspect a possible problem, it’s best to get your car checked right away. Unattended problems will worsen the existing situation and would cost more to repair.

Sometimes, the condensation can also enter the insides of the car. It can create a haze on the windshield and cause water damage to leather car seats.

 

What To Do With Water Damaged Engine

If you are positive that water damage on your car engine, here’s what you should do.

 

1. Evaluate the situation

If your car got submerged entirely underwater, do not panic yet. Some manufacturers place the engine in a tight area where water cannot penetrate easily.

Do not start the car yet if you are unsure of its condition on the inside. When there is a higher volume of water that enters the cylinder, a hydrolock can occur. It happens when liquid prevents the piston from completing the travel, essential to the engine’s function.

 

2. Look for signs of water damage

Assuming water damage when there are leaks is not the right thing to do. Water leaks can mean different things, and some of them are not harmful. However, if you find something suspicious upon evaluating the situation, you should start looking for the signs of water damage.

Check the air filter first. If it is wet, then it is one of the signs.

The water can get through it and reach the components of the engine. You should also check the oil dipstick, as water can penetrate the crankcase and make the oil look milky.

It is necessary to check the fuel system, coolant, and power steering. Drain the fuel line into a pan and look for signs of water contamination.

 

Repairing Water Damaged Engine

After taking the initial actions on cleaning water damaged car, it’s time to fix the damage to its engine. Disconnect the battery first and put it aside. Remove the engine covers and dry the exposed surface thoroughly.

Step #1. Remove the spark plugs and crank the engine manually. This will spray the sitting away from the area until the pistons can reach the highest point again. You can use a towel or a vacuum to dry the deeper parts where there is still water.

Step #2. Change the oil and replace the filter. This will clear the water contamination and remove the risk of further damage. Replace the fuses as well as the spark plugs and try to start the engine.

Let it run for a few minutes, then shut it down. Recheck the oil tank and see if there’s still water.

 

When Is It Time To Give Up Water Damaged Engine

If you can’t fix the problem yourself, you should bring it to a mechanic to get checked. However, if the damage is severe and would require replacements, it would be best to give it up. Rebuilding would cost you more, and you are not sure if it will be worth it at all.

Also, saltwater damage is more likely to cause death for a car. If this is your case, then calling it quits would be the only solution.

 

Conclusion

Knowing how to fix water damaged engine is convenient in any way. Cars go through several water-related incidents. When you know how to manage and solve engine problems, you can save more money and time than going to an automobile repair shop.

However, if the damage is severe, consult an expert to help you save your car’s engine.

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