I have a cold air intake which is close to the ground. I am in fear of water getting in it, from a puddle or from rain, scence i live in a very rainy area. So i really want to know how much water it takes to cause damage to the engine? (e.g. cup of water, tea spoon of water) and what to do if it does?
I can't give you an amount, but I can tell you that, with the filter on the intake tube, you don't have to worry about rainfall causing damage. As far as puddles, as long as the intake isn't submerged, fully or partially, you're safe. The filter will help stop the water from entering the engine, and the vacuum of the motor is really quite weak for pulling in water. Really all you have to worry about is submerging the filter.
Water does not compress well so the engine would stall. When you are going slow at low rpm, you usually don't damage the engine. Just take the spark plugs out, then crank the car for few times. The water will be thrown out by the piston. Do this for about 3 -5 minutes to get much water out of the engine as possible. Also the throttle body may rust so you want to do this while you press the accelerator 1/4 way down. Reinstall the spark plug and car would start afterward. White smoke would puff out of exhaust for some time, but it should start. Once you got it started and warm up the engine, you might want to change the oil to get rest of the water out of the engine. The worst thing that could happen is when water gets into cylinder while you are driving at high speed. Water would not compress well. So the piston would dead stop and rotation force would be enough to break crankshaft into pieces.
Well first of all to eddie m. the heat does not burn all of it off it is very possible to get water into the engine. It only takes a little bit to cause problems. If any gets in the engine it will most likely stall. If water gets into the engine it will cause rust on the piston cylinder walls, in the head, the valves, its just plain and simple bad for the engine! To solve this you can order what is called an air bypass valve that aem makes. It installs on the upper end of your intake system. It works amazingly! And will solve all your problems with water whether it be a small puddle or if the filter is totally submerged. and it also doesnt cost that much. I know my cousin had water problems with his intake and this fixed it all together!!! I am 100% sure its what you need. good luck let me know if you have any more questions
