Mk1 caught in flood potential damage???

[VdubEd]

Hi everyone, I was hoping I could get some advice. I was driving my mk1 cabriolet home last night and the rain was coming down like nothing else. I totally misjudged the level of water I was about to drive through. (I thought it was going to be a big puddle) next thing I know I've got water over the bonnet and pouring through the fire wall, doors and all sorts! I managed to get through the deepest part then the engine stalled. Luckily I was able to push it out with some help from some one who was about to follow me through there.

I didn't really have much choice (not wanting to be stranded and it was pitch black/ pissin with rain so without checking anything i tried to start to start it up). At first there was nothing but after about 20 mins she came back to life. I drove the rest of the way home (about 12km) and it seemed ok but the revs were right down at idle. However it didn't stall again, which I guess is a good sign?

I'm worried water might have gone in the air intake? Obviously the exhaust was flooded. I'll check the oil first for milkiness and the intake for signs of water but what other problems is flooding likely to cause and what should I be checking before driving it again? Thanks, Ed

[gldgti]

They say it all the time on the news and the SES bulletins, and I'll say it now - NEVER drive through floodwaters. You're lucky it wasn't worse!

Now - theres several reasons the car could have stopped in the first place.

1- water got into the ignition system (dizzy or ignition controller) and stopped the spark
2) water got into the fuel system which starts right at the airbox on a mk1 cabby with k-jet. this means that possibly by water entering the airbox the k-jet fuel metering system did some weird stuff.
3) water got sucked all the way into the engine, and you bent a rod or two.

First, I would be taking the airbox assembly out and letting it dry out well whilst also changing the oil and look very closely at the oil once you've drained it, specifically looking for volumes of water in the oil.

When you are sure that the ignition and k-jet parts are well dried out, try running it again. If you have bent a rod or two this might cause a big loss of power, maybe some engine imbalance whilst running as well. I'd be surprised if you could have sucked enough water in to bend a rod but you never know.

Its also possible that the ignition system is damaged from the water and it wont advance, which may be whats preventing the engine from revving up.

Good luck. Never drive though flood waters.

[VdubEd]

I'll start with that and let you know how I go. Thanks, Ed

[VdubEd]

Ok, well the rain's stopped so i've been out to have a look and it's not looking great.... Oil's milky, filter's soaked, there's water in the air box.... basically a lot of water generally.

Here's the plan if anyone wishes to advise otherwise;

1: Dry the airbox and replace air filter.
2: Drain some of the watery oil from engine and top up with fresh oil.
3: Use a nulon oil flush or something similar unitl engine is warm.
3: Drain all the oil, replace the oil filter top up and hope for the best

NEVER drive through floodwaters. You're lucky it wasn't worse!

In response to this, you're absolutely right but in my defence I really didn't expect there to be that much water in the middle of Manly! I definately won't make this mistake again!

[h100vw]

Drain the oil, new filter, new airfilter. Dissy cap off and check in there for water. It should drain out the bottom though.

If there's any chance water got in the fuel tank, that needs cleaning out too. Kjet is just the last place on earth you want to get water. You can pump the tank out through the feed line under the bonnet and jump the fuel pump relay to have it run with the engine off.

New fuel filter too. Just not worth the trouble it can cause not to replace all the filters.

Gavin

[VdubEd]

Thanks Gavin, I'll do the fuel filter too. Wait and see on pumping the tank though. Cheers Ed

[sports racer]

The old trick with water in the fuel was to add 50ml of metho to a full tank. The metho breaks down the water molecules so it mixes with the petrol and doesn't harm the engine or fuel system. Works great with carbureted engines, not sure how well it works with injected engines but it has to be better than getting straight water through the works.

Cheers

Paul

[VdubEd]

Thanks Paul, I'll do that

[Preen59]

The old trick with water in the fuel was to add 50ml of metho to a full tank. The metho breaks down the water molecules so it mixes with the petrol and doesn't harm the engine or fuel system. Works great with carbureted engines, not sure how well it works with injected engines but it has to be better than getting straight water through the works.

Cheers

Paul

Was just about to suggest this. It's exactly what i'd do. Only i'd toss in 500ml or so. It's only ethanol.

It might make it run a bit crappy for that tank of fuel, but once you get through that it'll be sweet.

[VdubEd]

Ok done all of the above. Took it for a spin and she seems fine..,, just a bit water logged inside.

I guess only time Will tell if there is any other damage.

Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who offered their advice today. Really appreciate it, Ed

[gldgti]

Ed, very glad to hear that you have had some success. Good stuff - it would be such a shame to see the end of another cabrio!

[VdubEd]

Ed, very glad to hear that you have had some success. Good stuff - it would be such a shame to see the end of another cabrio!

Thanks mate. I know, I was properly gutted on Sunday night when i thought I'd buffered it. I've taken her for a good run and she's running beautifully again now. Love my mk1! Thanks again everyone, Ed

[Preen59]

Good stuff dude.

If it's running sweet now I doubt you'll see any long-term mechanical issues from it.