A engine will halt without suffering major damage if water enters the engine just enough to fit between the cylinder heads and the pistons at top dead center. However, if it goes beyond that, hydrolock could destroy the engine.
The water will halt the pistons since liquids cannot be crushed. This will lead to the engine’s primary internal components breaking. Because of this, it is not advised to try to restart it in the midst of the puddle, where water may wet your seat and floormats. Simply shut off the engine and dial for assistance. Your car’s engine is already in risk of hydrolocking, and it’s too late to handle things on your own.
An engine that contains too much water in its cylinders is known as a hydrolocked engine, which causes the pistons and other components to seize right away. This issue usually occurs when water enters the engine thru the air intake or filter, as well as during floods. The term “hydrostatic lock” is the root of the word “hydrolocked.”
The force of the camshaft pushing causes the piston rods, which are folded beneath the piston above them, to bend when an engine hydrolocks at speed. The shock can potentially result in cracks in the engine block, but it can also destroy the crankshaft bearings and damage the crankcase or heads.
There are other fluids beside water that can result in such hydrolocked state. Coolant and oil are additional fluids that will have the same effect when they enter the engine cylinders.
Since water in gasoline also interferes with combustion, it can also cause an engine to stall. The fuel line fills with water instead of gasoline because gas floats on water.
Content for this question contributed by Enoch Ornstead, resident of Alta Loma, California, USA
