1986 Volkswagen Cabriolet hydrolock causes

WEBWEAVER

MEMBER
1986 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

My water pump blew so I replaced it and the timing belt and started my car back up and started adding water as the fill tank drained into the radiator. The car ran prfectly and smoothly for 15 minuts till it just died and wouldnt start again. I checked the oil and found it was mostly water, I had checked the ol befor I started adding water and it was pure clean oil in just the right amount, I left the car overnight while getting a truck to tow it with and in the morning the car started easly and drove onto the tow dolly. I know it must have hydrolocked but I need to know what could have caused it in this situation. The car will still start run and drive but I dont want to have it hydrolock again and I dont want to tear apart the engin if it isnt necicary.

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

If you have water in the cylinders, there is no way around having to tear the engine down. It soundslike you either cracked the head or blew the head gasket from overheating it. Either way the head will have to come off to see what happened. If no obvious cracks in the head, have it pressure tested to be sure itis ok internally, if it is have it surfaced and it should be ok. Look for any cracks in the block, usually where the head bolt holes are.