I Drove My Car Through Water Now It Makes A Loud Clicking Noise.
Posted in Internal Engine Parts | Asked on Nov 21, 2011
I drove my Mazda 3 through some water. Didnt realize how high it was but when a car passed it put water all the way up over my hood. The car sputtered but never died, I pulled into a parking lot and my check engine light was on and it was making a really loud clicking/knocking noise. Once the water went down I drove my car back home (about 2 blocks) The car would only go about 40 mph and the RPM’s would already be at about 5000. I dont believe I have water in my oil but my air filter is wet. This morning the car still starts but makes the same loud noise. My voltage is good when I checked it. I filed a claim with my insurace but Im not sure if it will be totaled. Kelly Blue Book puts its value at $8300. Does anyone know what could be wrong with it and about how much the repair cost are. HELP!!!
I have very good insurance so I know they will cover it. Im not concerned about that aspect of the question I would just like some advice as far as what might be wrong with it. Thanks
There are 4 Answers for "I Drove My Car Through Water Now It Makes A Loud Clicking Noise."
Go to Mazda and ask them how much it will cost.
Wel lnow your asking when you have already turn it in to insurance company let them handle the problem is what your paying for but really shouldnt drive into water that your not sure about how deep it is never can be wash away it happens all the time and only way of knowing what damage you did is a shop to have it check
Most insurance company’s wont pay for you driving one through a puddle of water or driving one in a flood and ruining the engine,id have it checked,they consider this driver error an wont pay for it,id be surprised if you get anything from them on this one,it will have to be checked to know the extent of the damage to it,good luck.
There could be any of several things that may be going on.
1) Since you noticed your air filter is wet and the water was over your hood, you most likely sucked water into the engine and have some water in one (or possibly more) of your cylinders. The water will not come out on it’s own and can damage an engine if trying to run it as water is not a compressable liquid and can create too much pressure inside the cylinder and probably the causing the clicking noise. Also, the water will wash out oil from lifters and bearings causing them not to work right and probably cause clicking sounds.
2) Water may have gotten into engine oil through vents and from water in the cylinders. This will cause corrosion and lack of proper lubrication, also, the water will wash out oil from lifters and bearings causing them not to work right and probably cause clicking sounds..
3) Water may have alos gotten into the transmission oil through vents and such and cause similar problems as the engine oil.
That’s the best I can think of without seeing & hearing it and don’t have any idea of the repair costs.
Best of luck.