Hydrolock...

[deacon523]

I have to admit after reading the recent horror stories here about engines being destroyed by high water (not too mention Howard Stern had a similar thing happen to him in his BMW or whatever while driving in the Hamptons <- yes, I have sirius ) I was a bit worried about encountering high water on the highway. This weekend I was driving on Colonial Parkway near Williamsburg, VA, in a heavy downfall. There was much standing water, and parts were completed flooded out - at one point we even drove past a honda stranded in water up to the passenger windows with rescue vehicles on the scene. Several times we drove through water that had to be 4 or 5 inches deep, and although we slowed down quite a bit, still kicked up a hell of wake. I am happy to say the 300C came through unscathed!

I would never recommend driving through high water if it can be avoided, but thought I'd share a positive experience just the same. Some times deep water happens, and can't be avoided... it's good to know it doesn't necessarilly mean instant engine death every time.

Deacon
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2006 Cool (wet) Vanilla 300C

[Moose]

I've been there too and have had no problems. I think a story or two have been stretched just a tad...

[stevesrt8]

with a little uncommon sense it may be possible to avoid blowing up your engine with water. The isolated incidents reported do not indicate a trend in any way, just foolishness or poor judgement. We have taken our car through a few inches, and it seems fine!

People are unwilling or unable to take responsibility. If you drive into deep water you may damage your car. What a surprise.

Cars don't float either!

[srt8danno]

You can always switch to a boat/car.

[kevenj]

Originally Posted by Moose

I've been there too and have had no problems. I think a story or two have been stretched just a tad...

exactly. Also some seem to think that the Hemi is somehow more prone to damage from hydrolocking. In fact ANY engine will be severely damaged if this happens; water does not compress! There is nothing special about the Hemi design that makes it more prone to damage. Don't fill your engine with water and you'll be fine!

[rickgonz]

Originally Posted by deacon523

Several times we drove through water that had to be 4 or 5 inches deep, and although we slowed down quite a bit, still kicked up a hell of wake. I am happy to say the 300C came through unscathed!

Deacon
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2006 Cool (wet) Vanilla 300C

That's the problem, when someone coming from the opposite direction has kicked up a high wave, the water could go places in your air box that your forward motion will make worse (higher). Think of your boat, and you encounter somebody's opposite wake. The splash will go higher, except your car doesn't ride the wave it stays on the ground and the wave will cause water to go up a foot or two on the front of your car.