car's gasoline engine got flooded

[jeshurun]

It had to go through flood, water got into the cabin. Now it won't turn over. Will it run after it drip dries?

[lostsheep]

It had to go through flood, water got into the cabin. Now it won't turn over. Will it run after it drip dries?

the term "won't turn over" carries multiple definitions depending on who you talk too, so.....

A few questions so I can help you better.
1. Is the engine cranking (can you hear the starter turning the engine)?
2. Or do you just here a "click" when you turn the key?
In both cases the car will not start. I
3. was the car parked during the flood or did you drive into it?

some possibilities are: the engine is hyra-locked (means the cylinders are filled with water = you would just here a "click" when attempting to start)

the ignition system is shorting out due to moisture (the engine would crank but not start with this one)

[jeshurun]

the term "won't turn over" carries multiple definitions depending on who you talk too, so.....

A few questions so I can help you better.
1. Is the engine cranking (can you hear the starter turning the engine)?
2. Or do you just here a "click" when you turn the key?
In both cases the car will not start. I
3. was the car parked during the flood or did you drive into it?

some possibilities are: the engine is hyra-locked (means the cylinders are filled with water = you would just here a "click" when attempting to start)

the ignition system is shorting out due to moisture (the engine would crank but not start with this one)It was pushed through the flood. Engine wasn't running.

[Wally]

The biggest danger is if water got into your engine cylinders.

Water does not compress, so if too much water enters any cylinder, the engine will blow. This coud be the crankshaft, piston, or head gasket - repairable, but if engine wall or cylinder wall went, it's destroyed.

But don't despair, just don't crank the engine until its inspected (broken pieces can do more damage. If it is blown you still may consider a rebuilt engine. Basically getting a new vehicle for $3,000-5,000. Of course if there is other damage then it may be best to junk the vehicle.

[Larry]

Pull all the spark plugs out and then crank it over with the starter.

Stand WAY back, if there's water in there it will spray out pretty good.

Then spray some (good amount) WD 40 in each cylinder. Put new plugs in and as long as water didn't get into the gas tank, you should be good to go.

Make sure you check/replace ALL the oils, engine, transmission and rear end.

Larry

[jeshurun]

I got the mechanic to haul it off to his shop. Great; more bills to pay.

Thanks!

[Locrouse]

This happened to mine last week in the ts that came through. Mine was doing the same as yours. I just put new gas in (drained the old) same with oil, and completely dried out the breather and all that and it finally started after 5 full days of drying out.

My whole car was submerged and the water got to half way up the steering wheel on the inside. My praising God that it is driving again, but it smells so bad like mildew and I cant get it out. Any advice on that one?

[Big Daddy]

If water got into the car, and not just around the unrunning engine, there could be a problem.

Your mechanic will tell, but newer cares have a computer that controlls the engine. If it got wet, it may need to be replaced. Could be expensive.

If the motor wasn;t running, then there should be no mechanical damage to it. Just drain any water that may have gotten into the oil pan, fluch and refil with oil.

Typically when cars are in floods, insurance companies will be quick to write them off as a total loss, as there can be ongoing problems that add up to expensive repairs in the long run.