1995 Honda Accord Engine Won't Start After Flood

TIM140486

MEMBER
1995 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

Hi, maybe you can help me, and thanks in advance. I have a 95 accord, and my neighborhood likes to flood. I live in Florida, and the other day salt water flooded the streets. I tried to drive through it, of course my car stalled out. I moved it out of the water, and after it trying to crank for 30 seconds or so it finally started. I tried again, and this time it got stuck with the muffler and probably lower part of the intake underwater, where I had to leave it for a few hours. Afterward, the car wouldn't turn over, when I turn the key it just clicks and doesn't even try. I tried jump starting but it has no effect. I was thinking I might have burnt out the starter trying to crank it after the first time for such a long time, as now it has had time to dry out and still does the same thing. I took apart the intake tubing that leads to the engine, and it was filled with gas and water. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, and thanks!
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6 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

you may have ingested water into the combustion chamber, this is called a Hydraulic lock, and can do serious valve damage. Remove the spark plugs and crank the engine over, this will pump out any water in the engine, do a compression test first to check for valve damage, if OK, flush engine oil & change filter, also get the transmission oil changed & flushed as well as water in the transmission will destroy it very quickly.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM

TIM140486

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3 POSTS

Alright, that helps, so thank you! But one question- How to I crank the engine over? I tried turning the crankshaft pully by hand, but it doesen't move. Any suggestions? Thanks!

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
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Hi there,

If you have a hydraulic lock, there is no way you Will rotate the engine, as you are trying to compress water, when the plugs are out the engine will rotate as the water can escape.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM

TIM140486

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3 POSTS

Alright, I took out the plugs, found the cylinder fill ed with gas/water, and hand turned it/ got the water out/put everything back. However, nothing at all happens when I turn the key, even while trying to jump start it. It doesn't even try to turn over. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

you will have to check for power at the starter and power at the solenoid on the starter when cranking, if is OK, starter will affected bu water. If no power you will have to start a full diagnostic on the electrical, the starter is hard to reach but you should be able to access the terminals to check for power.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM

MSMEREDITH

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9 POSTS

Much of the info you've received is good stuff. However, I can tell you don't know much about cars and you should never be driving computer assisted car through water higher than the bottom of your car--4 - 6 inches maximum.

Once you've gotten all the water out of your cylinders, I'd check the crankcase to see how high the oil is there. If water got in there you will have serious problems if you don't already from trying to turn the engine over with a cylinder or more full of water. You are more likely to bend connecting rods or crack your head if you crank your engine with water in a cylinder. Forget about valve damage--you'll have to replace the head or rebuild the engine.

But--when your solenoid clicks when you try to start a car it usually indicates that not enough current is getting to the starter. Sounds like the battery drained while sitting in the flood water. First thing to do when this happens is test the robustness of your battery. You do this by simply turning on your headlights to see if they are bright or dim. You can also lay on the horn to see how strong it is. If either are weak you are likely to need to charge your battery before trying to start the engine. But, to be honest, you ought to take it to a garage where they can go over your car before you really screw up the engine or transmission due to all that water getting up in there.

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM