So as I was going to work today I ran through a puddle. Well it seemed like a puddle but was more of a lake. I didn't realize the water was so deep about 12-15 inches. I just figured I could stay on the higher side of the street and make it through. Nope!!! Died right in the middle. I was submerged. Engine dead. Tried cranking it once or twice and then smelled an electrical type burning smell. Jumped out and disconnected the batter and pushed the car out of the lake as people in cars sped by splashing me. Got the car out of the lake and pulled the intake cover off and the filter was completely saturated with water. Pulled the black plastic tube off the tb and had water running out. Not good. Called for a tow and waited 2 hours. So I got the car home and got the plugs out and am trying to dry it out. I tried taking off the intake mani cover to make sure there was no water in there. I took off the middle cover in the intake mani and found some kind of butterfly valve. Is this the vtec? How to do I reinstall it? Should it be completely closed, partially open or all the way open? Thanks...

 

I think your engine hydrolocked. I think you should really bring it too the dealership/mechanic too get it further checked. Sorry to break the bad news though, I think the baby is gone

 

damn sorry bro

 

sorry to hear man but i think your engine is hydrolocked as well. the valve you saw in the intake manifold isnt VTEC - the VTEC parts are located in the camshaft and valvetrain assembly.

 

yikes! probably hydrolocked...if so, i would just call ur insurance company and make a claim.

 

how long did you try and crank it for? If for a very short time the motor is fine. If you spent a bit of time like trying to turn it over 5+ times, then you might be out of luck. Either way, take out the plugs and suck out the water with a shop vac, change the oil ASAP! and let it dry out. You never know it may be fine.

 

 

Update. Oh once I got the car home I started to take the cover off the intake manifold to see if there was water in the intake runners. Couldn't get it off. Took out all plugs and cranked engine over a couple of times to expel water from cylinders. Cleaned and dried plugs and reinstalled. Oil did not show any signs of water. Decided to try and crank engine over. Got it running and then checked oil. Now see water in oil. Changed oil. Took car for a nice drive. I think it may be ok. The battery doesn't seem to have much juice when starting. Resting voltage is 12.90. Engine running voltage is 13.90. Anybody know if this is with in range? Also there is a faint burned electrical smell under the hood but no engine lights on the dash. Hopefully I make it to work tomorrow.

 

Glad it's working again =)

I think you should pay your mechanic a visit, just to make sure everything is okay.

 

Glad to know its running hopefully it stays that way. Next time try not to pull a james bond and stay on dry land.