Re: Flooded!


"Marc" <sample@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4Gtri.42307$6K3.16010@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
'96 Toyota Corolla DX 115,000 miles, stock tires Radial P185/65R14 and
rims

Car parked, parking lot flooded, 17 inches water at front bumper, at least
8" water inside vehicle, front seats in at least 1 inch of water, perhaps
2 inches. 4WDs buzzed the lot creating waves and making the situation
worse. It was like this for about 1 hour before water started going down.
Battery disconnected after water went down. Car has not been moved, no
attempt to start engine. Engine Oil at same level when checked Friday
afternoon. Transmission fluid two inches over "Hot" mark on dip stick,
doesn't look like water is present. Seats and carpet have been removed.

What else should I be concerned about? Are there any electronics that need
attention? What about mechanical?

As hachiroku suggested, change the engine oil and transmission fluid before
starting the car. Also make sure the differential is drained and
refilled. I would follow all of his suggestions except drilling because
rust will definitely form unless the areas where the paint is broken is
re-sealed.

The reason the transmission fluid level went up but you couldn't see water
in the fluid is because the water is heavier and sinks to the bottom, and
the ATF floated to the top.

There should be some rubber body plugs in the floor pan and in the trunk at
the bottom of the spare tire well. Remove the plugs to help drain the
water.

Remove the door threshold to let the area under there air out. Also remove
the kick panels and B and C pillar trim. Pull the seat belts all the way
out of their retractors so the belts can dry out.

Unplug the #2 O2 sensor and make sure there is no water in the connector.
If there is, give the connector a good shot of dielectric grease.

I would also replace the wheel bearings and make sure no water is trapped in
the CV joints.

If the bumpers were submerged, remove the bumper covers and foam backing and
let the foam dry before putting it back in contact with the steel bumper
reinforcement.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)


.

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