1999 Buick Lesabre water in engine

Tiny
ASJ1978
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 1,300 MILES
Car died in flood waters, pulled starter, pulled spark plug. Pretty sure there is water in the motor. How do I get it out? Is it even possible? I've been told to drain the fluid and put new in. Will that help? Or is it a list cause?
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Monday, July 15th, 2013 AT 11:17 PM

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Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,689 POSTS
Water in the cylinders causes "hydro-lock". The pistons can't move up because water won't compress. Remove the spark plugs, then crank the engine and the water will be pushed out the spark plug holes. It's best to bypass the starter relay to do that so you don't have to turn on the ignition switch. That means there won't be any spark or injectors firing. You can also pop the cover off the starter relay and squeeze the contact, or you can go right to the starter and jump the large battery terminal to the smaller terminal next to it.

Check the oil level and transmission fluid level. Both should be sealed but if water had time to sneak in the level will be higher than normal on the dipstick. If either one is seriously overfull it should be drained and refilled before cranking the engine.
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 12:16 AM

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