Water In Engine

RRWATSON

MEMBER
DODGE INTREPID

Daughters Car. Mechanic worked on engine and indicated engine/gas tank had water problems, IE. Appears someone put a significant amount of water in her gas tank. Does this actually destroy the engine totally meaning it has to be replaced or rebuilt? Its a 97 Dodge Intrepid 6 cylinder I think and the key is thats its paid for and she doesnt have the money for expensive repairs. Just looking for other sensible options if any exist. Thanks :roll:

1 Reply

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

The gas tank has to be removed and cleaned. All fuel lines blown out. Fuel filter replaced. While the tank is off replace the fuel pump as it doesn't like water. I would buy a couple of gallons of wood alcohol and use it as a last thing tank cleaner. Water and alccohol mix so it will remove any residual.

Remove the fuel rails and clean them good. The injectors can be cleaned by spraying WD-40 in the orfice. Hopefully the pressure regulator is OK. WD stands for water displacement but it is flamable and will run an engine.

Remember water in not compressable and can cause extensive engine damage under compression.

Also change the oil and all filters.

Depending on the extent of the damge it should be about 1k to 1.2K dollars. With a lot of luck a little less.

When evrything is reassembled run some gas additive that inhibits water. Good luck