Re: C240 - Blown Engine due to Water entering through the Air Intake

Richard;
Let me offer answers to some of the "parts" of your story as well as to some
of the comments of your "well wishers".

The main issue at hand is "taking in water through the intake system". This
is very possible in many vehicles, unfortunately it also includes M-Benz
vehicles. I know, I am in the business. First of all, merely driving over a
small puddle should not cause problems, that of course depends greatly on the
speed you are driving at. Yes, water could be sucked up into the intake
system, past the air filter and eventually past the "AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR".
At this time the engine more than likely stalls. If only a small amount of
water enters the cylinders [very small amount] you may get lucky. Plugs are
to be removed, cylinders dried out. Replace air filter and very possibly the
mass flow sensor. Reset engine parameters.

Now, if you have too much water enter the cylinders your engine "HYDROLOCKS"
and it becomes next to impossible to crank, water cannot be compressed in the
engine. Yes, connecting rods are bent, possibly valves [in some engines], and
I have seen where a rod breaks and punches a hole on the side of the block.

As far as the recommended repairs go, it all depends on how much damage was
done, and what parts are currently available from M-Benz. Based on the going
labor rate at most dealerships, it is sometimes less expensive to replace the
"short" or "long block" rather than attempt repairs. A new long block carries
a 4 year factory warranty. Also, storm damaged areas of our country have
placed great demands on parts suppliers. Prepare to experience delays in
parts delivery.

You have another option to try and get your car back sooner. Unless it is a
new car, you may want to consider a used engine from a salvage yard. These
can also come with a warranty. Also, consider "monthly rental" vs "daily
rental" [you may be able to deduct some of your losses at the end of the year]
..

In the good 'ol days we may have added a water "spray" through the carburator
to break down carbon deposits., but it was a "water spray" not a running
faucet. Also, we did'nt have mass flow sensors, catalytic converters or
oxygen sensors then.

Hope you have a good insurance company with a small deductible, because as
you were told, "it is not a warranty issue".

Think of the bright side, you're safe! Good Luck! God Bless!

Monterey


thestolz@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>Hello all,
>
> I have a sad story to tell about the C240 that I used to own
>prowdly. I was driving on the west side highway by 95th street (NY
>City) when I ran into a puddle of water; I would estimate a few inches
>at most. Every other vehicule went though the same puddle and made it
>home, I didn't. After hitting the puddle, the car stalled and wouldn't
>start again. The lights and radio worked but the car would just not
>start. It wasn't even trying to start...
>
> I had the car towed to Mercedes in Long Island City NY. They
>tell me that the engine is blown due to water entering into the engine.
>They said that this was my problem and it would NOT be covered under
>waranty. I than called my insurance company to proceed with a write off
>as the total bill came to over 10 000$.
>
> I have been waiting 5 weeks now and I am not any closer to
>getting the car back. Apparently the parts are back ordered and will
>have to come from Germany, they won't arrive until December or January.
>Guess what? The insurance company only covers rental cars for the first
>30 days from the date of the claim. I must now rent a car at 35$/day
>which is 1085$ /month. Even when I get the car back I will be scared to
>take it out in the rain! Allstate didn't make it easier as they decided
>to rebuilt
>
> Has anyone else had these issues with this car? The air intake
>is on the bottom of the bumper to maximise performance. However they
>neglected to use an Air Bypass valve to prevent water from entering
>into the engine. '
>
> I have made repeated calls to Mercedes to no avail, I am just
>getting the run around saying the they will get the parts...
>
> Any comments/suggestions??
>
>Richard
>Disgruntled Mercedes Owner
.

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