I was once left my car in a city basement carpark overnight. That night a storm rain signed was hoisted for over 6 hours. I read from news that quite a few suburban places were flooded. I wasn’t worried as I thought the floodings were limited to rural areas. But when I went pick the car I was shocked knowing that carpark was flooded 2 feet high for few hours due to a drainage blockage…. suuuuuuuuuugar!

When I was awaiting my mechanic to come towing my car, I did a quick search from my iphone and found the following writing. I saved it for further use because I found it quite inspiring the ways it checked and concluded a flood damaged car. Read on.

If the engine is running at high revs and (or) the flood is very deep the engine will hydraulic; this means that following the induction of water on the compression stroke, the engine will lock up as water cannot be compressed.

Occasionally, this will cause further issues such as bent con-rods, the risk of which increases if the driver then attempts to crank or start the engine. If mechanical damage such as this occurs then it isn’t a problem that can be repaired roadside.

WHAT TO DO IF FLOOD STALLED?

1. Never Crank the engine. This can easily cause more expensive damage.

2. Remove all induction components i.e. air filter box, air metering devices and all air ducting and disconnect injectors (electrically).

3. Remove Spark Plugs (Petrol engines) or Glow Plugs (Diesel engines).

4. Dismantle as required to allow water to escape from throttle body and inlet manifold.

5. Reverse step 4

6. Crank engine by hand to check timing

7. Crank engine with throttle pedal fully depressed until all water is ejected; but beware of high pressure water being ejected from combustion chambers. Reconnect Injectors.

8. Re-fit one spark or glow plug and crank again. The engine should “cough”.

9. Re-fit second spark or glow plug and crank again. The engine will “cough” and may even run.

10. Re-fit third spark or glow plug and crank again. The engine will probably run.

11. Re-fit the fourth plug and crank again. The engine should run.

12. Ensure all induction components are dry and re-fit using a NEW air filter.

13. Start engine. It should run normally if the engine hunts (faltering revs) the air flow sensor is suspect.

14. Change the oil and oil filter. Mil light may be on so code clearing may be required.

15. Sell the car quickly!

For five, six and eight cylinder engines, the process is the same just repeated for each cylinder.

So next time if you or your friends are buying a second-hand car, you know what else you need to check and trace.