So we had snow two days ago, then a long day yesterday of heavy rain, and subsequently a lot of flooding. On the way home from work yesterday I had to ford 3 deep puddles, the last one being deep enough to probably get water halfway up the engine block, with water splashing onto the hood at times

Edit: After proof reading I feel as though I should specify more clearly what I called a "puddle". In actuality this was not standing water (except the first one) but rather a low part of a Creek Rd where the creek (Brandywine Creek for those familiar with the area) actually re-routed its current over the road. So think of it as more like driving through the bank of a the stream.

The car ran fine the whole way through, no water made it into the stock airbox and everything seemed perfectly normal after I was through and continued my way home. I am not to worried as I gave my whole engine and undercarriage a look over when I got home and found no issues, but was wondering what other parts of the car could malfunction from such water damage?

For instance are the sensors on the car and lower engine block more or less waterproof? I would have to say yes after my experience yesterday but was just curious as to anyones opinions.

And for the record I would not try this again, but had not way to go around after I went through the first large puddle.

 

just getting muddy crap all underneath your car. That would be it.

all the sensors are up in the top. And your 02 sensor is in there pretty good.

That would be the only thing I would worry about, the 02 sensor for the cat.

but other than that, there isn't really anything down there you should worry about.

 

If you had an AEM or Ijen style intake, the car would have been toast.

Stock is fine...other than it doesn't take much to float any car. Running across a street flooded from a swollen creek is dangerous in that your car could get swept into deeper water. If you can't see the road for the water, you don't know how deep it could be.

 

not if you go fast.

 

[QUOTE=negcamber,Feb 14 2008, 12:59 PM] If you had an AEM or Ijen style intake, the car would have been toast.

Stock is fine...other than it doesn't take much to float any car.

 

Cold water can crack a hot block - if the water is deeper than the 5" of clearance you have, don't drive through it. Also, there could be a log or rock submerged - hitting that could damage or stick the vehicle - also not good.

 

Or if there is a zombie hiding in that puddle.

 

You mentioned snow. If there is even a chance that the water you went through is even a little salty I would rinse everything under the hood and under the car thoroughly with cold water. Remember to protect the electricals first. And do it with a cool block.

 

rinse the underside of your car to get little bits of mud and grit off since that can cause wear. I'm guessing you didn't crack anything since you'd probably notice by now.