The summer solstice has just passed, and the annual rainy season has officially descended upon us. This year, the amount of rainfall is exceptionally large, and flood disasters have struck many areas. The emergence of these floods has caused extensive damage to vehicles. The problem of water entering engines seems endless. Among these vehicles with water entering the engine, special vehicle models are relatively less affected. Most of the affected vehicles are passenger cars. This is mainly because the position of the engine in special vehicle models is generally relatively high, reducing the chance of water ingress. However, if the water level is extremely high, water can still find its way in. So today, let’s delve deeper into the issue of water entering the engine.
The rainy season brings with it a host of challenges for vehicle owners. The increased rainfall can lead to flooded roads and waterlogged areas, posing a significant threat to the proper functioning of vehicles. Special vehicles, although designed to handle various demanding tasks, are not immune to the potential damage caused by water entering the engine.
If the special vehicle you are driving stalls due to water entering the engine during driving, it is of utmost importance not to restart it. Restarting the engine in such a situation can lead to even more severe consequences and greater losses. Why is this the case?
When water enters the engine, it can make its way into the engine cylinders. Water is incompressible, which means that when it is present in the cylinders, it disrupts the normal movement of the pistons. The movement stroke of the piston becomes shorter, placing excessive stress on the engine components. This can result in the bending or even breaking of the engine connecting rod. Under extreme circumstances, the broken connecting rod can fly out with tremendous force and pierce the cylinder block. This kind of damage can be extremely costly to repair and can render the engine completely unusable.
The engine stalls for several reasons when water enters. One of the main causes is that after the distributor gets wet, some electrical appliances lose their normal ignition function. The distributor is responsible for distributing electrical current to the spark plugs at the correct time to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. When it gets wet, it can malfunction, preventing the proper ignition of the fuel. Additionally, the engine air filter gets wet, leading to increased intake resistance. Water entering the combustion chamber can also prevent the spark plugs from igniting the fuel-air mixture. At this point, if you attempt to forcefully start the engine, the chances of engine damage are extremely high.
Moreover, if you restart the engine after water has entered, insurance companies may refuse to pay compensation. Insurance policies often have specific clauses regarding water damage to engines. Restarting the engine after water ingress is considered an act of negligence and can void the insurance coverage. This means that not only will you be faced with the cost of repairing the damaged engine, but you may also have to bear the financial burden entirely on your own.
So, if your vehicle stalls after wading through water, it is crucial to resist the urge to restart it. Instead, take the following steps to assess the damage and determine the appropriate course of action.
If there is a problem of water entering the vehicle engine, check the vehicle from the following aspects:
Remove the negative terminal of the battery to avoid short circuits of various electrical appliances on the vehicle due to water ingress. Water can conduct electricity, and if it comes into contact with the electrical system of the vehicle, it can cause short circuits and damage to various components. Removing the negative terminal of the battery helps to isolate the electrical system and prevent further damage. If the battery gets wet, it is advisable to replace the electrolyte. The electrolyte in a wet battery can become contaminated, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing damage to the battery.
Check the engine to see if there is water in the cylinders. This is a critical step as water in the cylinders can cause significant damage to the engine. One way to check for water in the cylinders is to remove the spark plugs and look for signs of water. If water is present, it may be visible as droplets or a puddle in the cylinder. Another method is to use a compression tester to check the compression in each cylinder. If there is a significant drop in compression in one or more cylinders, it may indicate the presence of water. If water is found in the cylinders, it is essential to have the engine inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and increased repair costs.
Check the engine oil. Water entering the oil can cause the oil to deteriorate and lose its lubricating function. Engine oil is designed to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and wear. When water mixes with the oil, it can dilute the oil and reduce its viscosity. This can lead to excessive wear of the engine components and potentially cause serious damage. To check the engine oil, remove the dipstick and look for signs of water. Water in the oil may appear as a milky or foamy substance. If water is detected in the oil, it is necessary to change the oil immediately and have the engine inspected for further damage.
Check the transmission. If water enters the transmission, it can cause the gear oil to deteriorate and then lead to gear wear. The transmission is a complex system that relies on gear oil to lubricate and cool the gears. When water enters the transmission, it can contaminate the gear oil and reduce its effectiveness. This can cause the gears to wear prematurely, resulting in transmission problems. To check the transmission, look for signs of water leakage around the transmission housing or check the transmission fluid for signs of water contamination. If water is detected in the transmission, it is advisable to have the transmission inspected and serviced by a professional mechanic.
Check the exhaust pipe. Water entering the exhaust pipe can block the catalytic converter and damage the oxygen sensor. The exhaust system is responsible for removing harmful gases from the engine and reducing emissions. When water enters the exhaust pipe, it can accumulate in the catalytic converter and cause it to become clogged. This can reduce the efficiency of the exhaust system and potentially damage the engine. Additionally, water can damage the oxygen sensor, which is responsible for monitoring the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases and adjusting the fuel-air mixture. If the oxygen sensor is damaged, it can lead to poor engine performance and increased fuel consumption.
The problem of water entering the engine generally occurs more frequently on small special vehicles, such as small truck-mounted cranes, small sewage suction trucks, etc. These smaller vehicles may have a lower ground clearance and be more vulnerable to water ingress. If you are driving such a small vehicle, it is crucial to always pay attention to the weather forecast. By being aware of upcoming rainstorms or floods, you can take preventive measures such as parking the vehicle in a relatively high position. This can help to avoid water entering the engine and minimize the risk of damage.
For example, imagine a small truck-mounted crane parked in a low-lying area during a heavy rainstorm. As the water level rises, there is a high chance of water entering the engine. This can lead to significant damage and downtime for the vehicle, affecting its ability to perform its intended tasks. On the other hand, if the vehicle owner had been vigilant and parked the crane in a higher location, such as on a raised driveway or a parking lot on higher ground, the risk of water entering the engine would be greatly reduced.
In conclusion, as the rainy season arrives, it is essential for all vehicle owners, especially those driving special vehicles, to be aware of the potential problem of water entering the engine. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate preventive measures, such as avoiding driving through deep water and parking in high locations, you can minimize the chance of water damage to your vehicle. If water does enter the engine, it is crucial not to restart the engine and to follow the proper steps for assessing and addressing the damage. By doing so, you can protect your vehicle and avoid unnecessary financial losses.
