Flooded Engine

Whether your vehicle was caught in a flood, driven through deep water, or submerged, water entering the engine is a critical emergency. A flooded engine must never be started — the risk of hydrolocking and catastrophic internal damage is near-certain.

Call Now: 0800 769 000

Never attempt to start a flooded engine

Water does not compress. A single revolution with water in the combustion chamber causes hydrolocking — the connecting rod bends or snaps immediately. This converts a recoverable situation into a complete engine replacement. Even turning the engine over with a key to “clear” it will cause damage.

How Water Enters a Flooded Engine

Air Intake

The most direct and dangerous route. Most air intakes sit low in the engine bay — driving through water above bonnet height can pull water directly into the intake manifold and cylinders.

Exhaust System

When a vehicle is submerged and the engine is off (or when tidal/floodwater rises), water can back-fill through the exhaust pipe into the cylinders. Reversing through deep water is a common cause.

Dipstick Tube

Partially submerged vehicles can have water enter the sump via the dipstick tube, particularly if the vehicle rolled or was oriented on a slope.

Breather Hoses

Engine breather systems are typically open to atmosphere. Submersion allows water to travel through breather hoses into the valve cover and sump.

Immediate Steps

Do

Keep the engine off
Leave the vehicle where it is if safe to do so
Call EEK Mechanical immediately
Document the water level with photos for your insurer
Note when the vehicle was submerged and for how long
Contact your insurance company

Don't

Attempt to start the engine
Turn the key even briefly to check
Allow breakdown truck drivers to bump-start it
Wait — water in an engine causes corrosion within hours
Use a hairdryer or heat source near fuel system components

How It Works

1.Tow truck dispatched to collect your vehicle

2.Vehicle taken to certified workshop — engine not started

3.Water ingress assessment at the workshop

4.Spark plugs / injectors removed to check for hydrolocking

5.Engine rotation test to check for bent connecting rods

6.Complete oil drain and system flush

7.Air intake and exhaust system inspection

8.Insurance damage report with photos and technical findings

Flood Damage & Insurance

Most comprehensive vehicle insurance policies in New Zealand cover flood damage, including engine damage caused by hydrolocking. Key points:

You must not have attempted to start the engine (this is typically an exclusion)
We provide a full written report with photos, timeline, and technical findings
We can liaise directly with your insurer's assessor
Our report meets the requirements of all major NZ insurers

Flooded Engine? Call Immediately

Every hour increases corrosion damage. 24/7 emergency response across New Zealand.

0800 769 000